Father of girl sexually assaulted by Epping migrant breaks silence on release | UK | News
The father of a 14-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by an Ethiopian asylum seeker said he felt betrayed after the culprit was mistakenly released from prison on Friday, sparking a manhunt now focused on London and criticism of Britain’s immigration and justice systems. Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who was staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex, was jailed for 12 months in September for five counts of sexual assault, including groping the teenager and another woman shortly after arriving in England on a small boat.
Speaking outside HMP Chelmsford hours after learning of the mistake, the father told Sky News: “We are let down by the justice system.” He said he was demoralized by the prospect of Kebatu returning to the streets and disappearing. The family learned about the evacuation from media reports, as the police did not inform them directly.
A family friend told Sun: “It’s appalling that the state didn’t even bother to tell the young girl and her family. They were let down by all the authorities involved.”
It was stated that the victim, who was recovering after the attacks that sparked protests in front of asylum hotels in July, was distraught and frightened.
Kebatu was classed as eligible for release on license during a routine removal process at HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning. Rather than being transferred to an immigration removal center for deportation – a step the Home Office prepared after his request to leave the UK – he received a £76 discharge allowance and was allowed to leave.
CCTV showed him walking in Chelmsford, then boarding the Greater Anglia train to London Liverpool Street at 12.41pm, arriving at 1.18pm.
Essex Police launched an operation involving the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police. A force statement said: “We were notified of an error by the prison service at 12.57pm.
“Quick investigations showed the man had boarded a train bound for London… Officers are working urgently to locate and detain him.” As of Saturday, the manhunt continues in London and Kebatu is believed to be at large there.
Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed Kebatu was in London and ordered an investigation. A prison officer involved in the incident was suspended. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as unacceptable and said: “This man should be caught and deported for the crimes he committed.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described it as incompetence and demanded a public investigation and an apology from Lammy and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood. Mr Philp told Sky News: “We need to know how this dangerous illegal immigrant, who was also a child sexual abuser, was released.”
Prison Service data shows there were 262 wrongful discharges in England and Wales by March 2025; This number reached 115, an increase of 128% compared to the previous year.
Aaron Stow, president of the Criminal Justice Employees Union, called it a malpractice. Chief Secretary Mike Rolfe blamed the strained justice system and political decisions.
Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman called for an investigation and questioned how a single member of staff could be responsible. He criticized prison warden Mark Howard’s communication.
Epping Forest MP Neil Hudson said responsibility should fall on the Justice Secretary, the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “Britain is broken.” The case arose from attacks committed by Kebatu days after he crossed the English Channel, and the sentencing judge stated that Kebatu had poor respect for women and posed a serious risk.
