Family of Assault Victim Criticizes Government and Justice System
The family of 14-year-old Hadush Kebatou, a victim of sexual assault and an undocumented migrant, has expressed deep disappointment with the Labor government, British police, and the legal system. They feel betrayed after a child molester was released back into the community.
Over the weekend, the release of an Ethiopian national who had been convicted of child predation took a bizarre turn. He attempted to return to prison but was denied entry. Subsequently, CCTV footage captured him wearing a gray prison outfit and carrying a bag with an avocado logo as he moved around London. He was eventually apprehended by police on Sunday, prompting many on social media to liken the situation to a scene from a British comedy.
However, for the 14-year-old victim, the failure of the authorities to keep the offender imprisoned until his deportation—just one month into a 12-month sentence—was a serious issue. She was left traumatized after learning that her abuser had been mistakenly released.
On Sunday evening, the victim’s father commented on the situation. He shared a statement from Epping Forest councilor Shane Yerrell, noting that while the child had begun to regain her confidence after the assault, the premature release of her attacker had caused her immense stress and anxiety.
“She’s afraid of running into him and being recognized in public,” the father expressed. “I worry deeply about her mental health and overall well-being due to this ordeal.”
“This man poses a real threat to young girls and women. It’s incredibly reckless that, due to a systems failure, he’s been let go just months after committing serious offenses. He shouldn’t be roaming the streets,” he continued.
The father also conveyed his frustration towards Chelmsford County Council, the police, and the judicial system, emphasizing that their failures impact not only his family but the entire community.
When he first heard of his daughter’s attacker’s release, it came from a journalist rather than from any official source. When he reached out to Chelmsford Prison for information, he reported being met with hostility.
“I truly hope no other child undergoes what my daughter faced,” he said. He urged for the immediate deportation of the suspect, stating that every moment he remains free increases the risk to others.
The government’s failure stemming from this incident has drawn national attention, but mistakes in prisoner releases aren’t totally uncommon in the UK. According to the UK Prisons and Probation Service, there were 262 wrongful releases in England and Wales between April 2024 and March 2025—a notable increase from 115 the year prior.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy attributed part of the blame to the previous Conservative administration. He remarked that Labor is dealing with a failing system, although it’s noteworthy that the recent uptick in mistakes has occurred under the current Labor government, which has faced scrutiny for its practice of prematurely releasing prisoners to alleviate overcrowding.
Lammy assured that the government planned to deport Kebatu soon after his accidental release on the way to a concentration facility. They also pledged to investigate the mishaps that led to the release of migrants accused of serious crimes.
This incident has not only reignited outcry over the handling of immigration in the UK but has also led to renewed protests outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where Kebatou was held during the assault. Initial protests had secured an injunction against the hotel’s use as an immigration center, but the Labor government later won an appeal, claiming that the rights of asylum seekers outweighed local concerns.
