Overview
- After a meeting on Thursday, the father said he did not shake the Justice Secretary’s hand, respected the in‑person apology, yet received no answers.
- Family spokesman and councillor Shane Yerrell reported no promise to close the Bell Hotel, citing a failed High Court bid and an unconfirmed March contract end.
- Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, 41, was convicted of five offences after a three‑day magistrates’ trial for assaults on a 14‑year‑old and a woman in Epping, and he received a 12‑month sentence in September.
- Kebatu was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford in October, located after a two‑day search, and deported to Ethiopia on October 28.
- The Ministry of Justice says an independent investigation is under way with tougher checks and technology upgrades, noting 91 erroneous releases between April 1 and October 31.