Hadush Kebatu, the Epping sex offender, was recently seen in London carrying a bag with an avocado pattern. Kebatu, who had been sentenced to 12 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Essex, was mistakenly released by prison staff at HMP Chelmsford. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that he was last spotted in the Dalston area of Hackney on Friday evening.
Authorities are conducting a thorough search for Kebatu, who was observed wearing a grey prison tracksuit and now carrying a unique white bag adorned with avocado images. Additional officers have been dispatched to the area, and local residents are urged to report any sightings promptly by calling 999.
Witnesses reported that Kebatu appeared confused and returned to the prison gates multiple times before being directed to a railway station. He had traveled from Chelmsford to Stratford, London, and had made several journeys across the city with access to funds. A delivery driver recounted seeing Kebatu in a distressed state as prison staff repeatedly turned him away, despite his confusion about his deportation status.
The driver described Kebatu’s repeated inquiries about his whereabouts and deportation, highlighting his apparent attempts to comply with the situation despite the challenges he faced. The unfolding events have raised concerns about the handling of Kebatu’s release and deportation process.