Epping migrant’s victim learnt of his mistaken release through social media

The shocking case of an Epping migrant sex offender mistakenly released from prison has sparked nationwide outrage—not only because of the administrative failure but also because the young victim discovered the error through social media rather than official channels. This incident has raised serious concerns about the UK justice system, victim protection protocols, and systemic failures within prison administration.
What happened in the Epping migrant mistaken release case? In one of the most disturbing criminal justice failures in recent UK history, Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, a convicted sex offender, was accidentally released from prison despite being due for deportation.
Kebatu had been sentenced to 12 months in prison after sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping, Essex.

However, instead of being transferred to an immigration detention centre following his sentence, he was mistakenly freed due to administrative errors within the prison system.
This critical mistake triggered a police manhunt and widespread public concern, especially considering the nature of his crime and the vulnerability of the victim.
Victim learned of release through social media Perhaps the most alarming aspect of the case is how the victim and her family found out.
According to reports, the teenage victim was not informed by police or authorities.

Instead, ukbreakingnews24x7 she discovered that her attacker had been released by mistake through social media posts.
This failure to notify the victim directly has been widely condemned. Justice Secretary David Lammy later acknowledged the issue, stating that the way the victim learned of the release was "unacceptable."
The emotional toll on the victim was severe. Through her father, she described feeling as though she had been "put in danger all over again."
Timeline of events 1. Crime and conviction Kebatu was convicted in September 2025 for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison and scheduled for deportation. 2. Mistaken release In October 2025, he was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford. The error was due to systemic failures, including poor communication and outdated processes. 3. Victim discovers via social media The victim and her family were not formally informed. News spread online before authorities contacted them. 4. Police manhunt A nationwide search was launched. The public played a key role in identifying his whereabouts. 5. Arrest and deportation Kebatu was arrested in Finsbury Park, London. He was later deported to Ethiopia. Source of news and publication time Primary report: ITV News Title: "Asylum seeker Hadush Kebatu's accidental release caused by 'broken system'" Published: 15 April 2026 at 4:53 PM Additional coverage:
The Telegraph (15 April 2026) – victim learned through social media The Times & The Sun (15 April 2026) – systemic failures and ongoing release errors Why did the prison release error happen?