An Ethiopian asylum seeker whose case ignited widespread anti-immigration protests in Britain has been deported after officials mistakenly released him from custody last month.
The Home Office said Wednesday that Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, arrived in Ethiopia following his removal from the United Kingdom. Kebatu had been serving a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14 year old girl and a woman.
His release on October 24 triggered a three day manhunt before police located and detained him again. Interior minister Shabana Mahmood said in a statement that authorities were determined to act fast.
“I have pulled every lever to deport Mr Kebatu and remove him off British soil,” Mahmood said. She described Kebatu as a “vile child sex offender” and acknowledged public frustration, adding that the mistake “should never have happened” and that she shared the anger over it.
Kebatu’s arrest in July led to demonstrations outside the Bell Hotel in Epping near London. The hotel had been used to house migrants who arrived by small boats. The protests quickly spread to other towns as concerns over immigration grew louder across Britain.
A judge at Chelmsford Magistrates Court said during sentencing that Kebatu’s conduct intensified public fears. Judge Christopher Williams told him he could not have foreseen such a level of reaction nationwide, including mass demonstrations from those worried about the safety of children.
Kebatu previously denied the allegations in court and said he was “not a wild animal.”
Immigration has risen to the top of the political agenda in Britain. The country has recorded a high number of asylum applications and continued arrivals of migrants crossing the Channel in small vessels.
Opposition lawmakers pressed the government to ensure Kebatu was removed immediately after completing his sentence. Chris Philp, Conservative spokesperson on home affairs, said towns like Epping “should never have been put in this position” and argued that migrants without legal status should not be placed in hotels.
Government figures show more than 32,000 asylum seekers are currently in hotel accommodation. Ministers say they plan to end hotel use before the next national election expected in 2029.
Officials have not released details of how Kebatu traveled back to Ethiopia or whether further restrictions apply to his reentry into Britain. The Home Office says it is reviewing how the release mistake occurred to prevent a repeat.
Africa Digital News, New York
