The Government has confirmed that convicted sex offender Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national mistakenly released from prison, was paid £500 before being deported. Kebatu, jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman while living in an Essex asylum hotel, was freed in error from HMP Chelmsford, later re-arrested, and flown to Ethiopia under guard. Officials authorised the payment after he threatened to disrupt his removal, arguing it was cheaper than re-booking flights or facing legal delays that could cost taxpayers thousands. Ministers called the blunder 'deeply regrettable' and have ordered an independent inquiry, with one officer suspended and new release checks introduced. Opposition leaders condemned the payment as 'outrageous' and proof of a broken immigration system, while home secretary Shabana Mahmood said she acted swiftly to ensure deportation. Kebatu’s mistaken release sparked local protests and renewed concern over public safety, asylum policy, and government competence in managing foreign offenders awaiting deportation. See