Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, an Ethiopian national, was released from HMP Chelmsford after being sentenced to 12 months for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping, Essex. He was due to be transferred to an immigration detention centre prior to deportation.
Police confirmed he boarded a London-bound train at Chelmsford station following his release. Authorities reported he had previously assaulted a woman who offered to help him create a CV for employment.
The Prison Service launched an investigation into the error, with one officer removed from duty. The Justice Secretary described Kebatu as a dangerous individual and demanded a full inquiry into the release.