After being mistakenly released from prison following sexual assaults on a woman and a 14-year-old girl, a man identified as Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian national residing at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was sighted boarding a train bound for London, according to Essex Police.

An urgent manhunt has been launched to locate the escaped convict, who was serving a 12-month sentence since September. The incident was brought to light by The Sun, revealing that Kebatu was erroneously set free instead of being transferred to an immigration detention center for deportation. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed shock over the blunder and emphasized the need to swiftly capture Kebatu, ensuring he faces deportation for his offenses.

It was disclosed that Kebatu was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning. Subsequently, a prison officer has been relieved of duty pending an investigation into the erroneous release. A spokesperson from the Prison Service affirmed collaboration with law enforcement to re-apprehend the offender.

The asylum seeker, who had recently arrived in the UK on a small boat prior to the incidents, reportedly made inappropriate advances towards two teenagers, expressing desires to have children with them. This led to a trial where it was revealed that he attempted to kiss the girls, touched one of them inappropriately, and caressed her hair. The case sparked demonstrations in Epping, Essex, and outside accommodations hosting asylum seekers nationwide.