Migrant Child Abuser Who Caused Protests Deported Following Manhunt

Boat Migrant Released and Deported After Arrest for Sexual Assault

A migrant who arrived by boat and was arrested for groping girls just eight days after entering the UK triggered widespread protests. He was “accidentally” released from prison, leading to a chaotic police operation that ultimately resulted in his deportation.

On Wednesday, the Home Secretary stated that the British government was taking all necessary actions to ensure that Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was sent back to Ethiopia. Although Ethiopia is not a typical destination for deportees due to the lack of a repatriation agreement, complications lessened when Kebatu expressed his desire to return home in court.

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood voiced her frustration on Wednesday morning regarding the “mismanagement” around Kebatu’s release from prison. “I have done everything possible to ensure his deportation from mainland Britain. I’m glad to confirm that this despicable offender has been deported. Our city is safer now,” she said.

“If you come to this country and commit a crime, we will kick you out,” she added.

Kebatu has been a major figure in media coverage in Britain since arriving on a trafficker’s boat in July. Within days, he was arrested in Epping, Essex, while living in a government-requisitioned hotel for illegal immigrants.

Protests erupted when locals learned that a migrant staying in the hotel had been charged with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a school uniform. Reports indicated he not only touched her but also made inappropriate comments about wanting her to conceive a child. These demonstrations against child sexual assault and the presence of migrants in hotels spread across England, taking place in numerous towns at once.

Kebatu was eventually convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of sexual assault, and received a 12-month prison sentence. However, he was released by a prison guard just one month later.

He was supposed to be collected from prison by Border Patrol agents; however, for reasons still unclear, he was allowed to leave unescorted. After several attempts to return him to custody, Kebatu managed to board a train and vanished into London. He was apprehended two days later after an extensive search.