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An asylum seeker sentenced to 12 months in a British prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl was accidentally freed on Friday, prompting police to launch an urgent search for the man whose case inspired anti-migrant protests.
Ethiopian national Haddush Gerberslasi Kebatu, the catalyst for a wave of angry protests against migrants across Britain over the summer, has been mistakenly released from jail. Chelmsford Before his deportation.
British Prime Minister keir starmer He said he was “appalled” by the “completely unacceptable” acquittal of a 38-year-old sex offender.
“Police are working urgently to trace him and my government is supporting them,” Starmer said. “This man must be caught and deported for his crimes.”
Details of how Kebatu was released are sketchy, but essex policenorth east of Londonsaid they were alerted to “an error this morning regarding the release of an individual” just before 1 p.m. He said officers were “immediately working to locate and detain him” after he was seen catching a train in Chelmsford.
prison service An investigation was launched, and a prison officer has been removed from the discharge of duties.
Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Workers union representing prison officers, said Kebatu’s wrongful release was a “deep failure of duty” and a “betrayal of victims, the community and the principles of justice.”
Kebatu was found guilty last month of five crimes, including sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment.
Kebatu’s arrest and prosecution prompted thousands of people to protest outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, north-east of London, where he was staying with other newly arrived migrants. A number of protests took place in other British cities and towns targeting other hotels housing migrants, with some demonstrations attended by far-right activists and disorder.
The group Stand Up to Racism also rallied in protest.
Kebatu had arrived in England by boat just a week before the July day when he was convicted of approaching a 14-year-old girl in Epping, attempting to kiss her and placing his hand on the girl’s thigh. He said he also sexually assaulted a female member who intervened.
Kebatu’s lawyer said he wanted to be deported after serving his time in prison.
There have long been tensions over unauthorized migration – particularly the thousands of migrants crossing the English Channel in overloaded boats to reach Britain, as well as the Labor government’s policy of using hotels to house migrants who are awaiting decisions on their asylum status. Critics say it costs taxpayers millions of pounds, while hotels become a draw in communities and make expats feel targeted by local residents.