Family of Epping migrant’s victim rage over ‘biggest level of disrespect’ after bungled release of sex attacker and £500 payment

Kebatu was arrested in July and jailed for the attack, but was mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford on October 24, sparking a two-day manhunt which eventually concluded in him being found in Finsbury Park, London.

The father of the girl, speaking through Epping Councillor Shane Yerrell, described the incident as a "horror story".

He said: From getting the phone call, to the court case, the sentencing, the accidental release, the £500 payoff. Everything. It has been the biggest level of disrespect to me and my family.

"It’s like the Government have rewarded him for his crimes. That’s how it feels.

"He had £500 and we haven’t even had contact or an apology, absolutely nothing."

The father criticised Justice Secretary David Lammy for his actions, branding the Labour minister "spineless".

He told the Sun: "These people are in charge of this country and they are laughing in the faces of people talking about a sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl."

He revealed that after Kebatu was mistakenly released, his daughter refused to leave the house, adding: "It brought back all the fear, all the worries, all those horrible feelings.

"She was scared he would find her. Between the police and the prison service, they put that fear back into my child.

"I will hold them accountable for that for as long as I live."

Kebatu was forcibly deported with a team of five escorts accompanying him onto a flight on Tuesday night which arrived in Ethiopia on Wednesday morning.

The decision to pay the criminal £500 was said to have been opted for instead of a slower and more expensive process.

The alternative method would include detention of Kebatu, a new flight, and potentially dealing with subsequent legal claims.

Cancelling the flight could have sent costs spiralling into several thousand pounds, the Home Office said.

The decision on the best course of action for deportation was taken by removal teams, not ministers.

Kebatu's initial arrest sparked many of the migrant hotel demonstrations this summer, most notably outside of where he was placed at the time - The Bell Hotel in Epping.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside The Bell Hotel and at migrant hotels across the UK, holding signs with messages like "defend our girls" while chanting "save our kids".

Mr Lammy has now set up an independent inquiry into Kebatu's release and vowed further action to "stop similar unacceptable errors in future".