Epping sex offender given £500 after threatening to challenge deportation

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Rajeev Syal and Pippa CrerarOctober 29, 2025 at 04:11 PM

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long article 4 min

Hadush Kebatu, a convicted child sex offender from Ethiopia, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford and then deported back to his home country after two days of search operations. He had previously sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman before being imprisoned in the UK. To avoid legal challenges and additional costs, Kebatu was given £500 as an operational decision by officials and flown out with five escorts on Tuesday night. The payment aimed to ensure smooth deportation without further delays or legal disputes that could have cost thousands of pounds. The incident highlights issues within the UK’s criminal justice system and immigration control.

Key Topics & Entities

HMP Chelmsford 50% Home Office ×260% Ethiopia ×370% United Kingdom ×580% Hadush Kebatu ×4100%

Keywords

sex offender 90% deportation 85% public money 70% irregular migration 65% criminal justice system 60% facilitated return scheme 55% legal claims 50% costs 45% forced return 40%