The British government has deported Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian man convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, days after his accidental release from prison sparked public outrage and anti-migrant protests across the country. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed on Wednesday that Kebatu was returned to Ethiopia aboard a chartered flight that landed safely that morning. “I have pulled every lever to deport Mr. Kebatu and remove him from British soil,” Mahmood said in a statement. “Our streets are safer because of it.”
Officials acknowledged that Kebatu was paid £500 (about $660) to ensure he boarded the flight without incident after he threatened to disrupt the deportation process. Government spokesperson Tom Wells defended the decision, saying the payment was “an operational choice” that prevented a costly delay or cancellation. Kebatu, who arrived in Britain illegally across the English Channel in July, was arrested days later for sexually assaulting a woman and a teenage girl in Epping, Essex. He was convicted and jailed but was mistakenly released from custody on Friday, prompting an embarrassing nationwide manhunt. After two days on the run, he was recaptured in a London park and placed under strict supervision ahead of deportation.
The case has reignited Britain’s fierce debate over unauthorised migration, prison management, and government accountability. The opposition has accused Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration of “chaotic handling” of both immigration policy and criminal deportations. The blunder also came amid growing public anger over the government’s struggle to manage record Channel crossings. More than 36,900 people have reached the UK by small boats this year surpassing last year’s total despite repeated promises to “stop the boats.”
Anti-migrant protests erupted over Kebatu’s release, especially outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he had previously been housed alongside other asylum seekers. Some demonstrations turned violent, echoing a broader backlash against Britain’s asylum system. The Home Office has pledged to end the use of hotels for asylum accommodation but is yet to find viable alternatives. Kebatu’s deportation marks the end of a politically damaging episode for the government but one that has further inflamed the national debate over migration, justice, and public safety.
