Epping sex offender back in custody after release from prison in error

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by Matthew WeaverOctober 26, 2025 at 05:03 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 41-year-old Ethiopian national and former asylum seeker, was mistakenly released from prison on Friday after serving time for sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl. Following his release, he was spotted in various parts of London before being arrested in Finsbury Park on Sunday morning. Kebatu is now back in custody and faces deportation. The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated that efforts are underway to remove him as quickly as possible. Justice Secretary David Lammy has ordered an investigation into the release error and immediate strengthening of release checks.

Key Topics & Entities

Essex police 40% British Transport Police 40% Ethiopia 50% Shabana Mahmood 50% Epping ×250% David Lammy 60% Keir Starmer ×270% London ×470% Metropolitan police ×380% Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu ×5100%

Keywords

sex offender 100% deportation 90% prison release error 85% metropolitan police 70% sexual assault 70% investigation 65% public appeal 60% violent protests 55% asylum seeker 50% custody 40%