Peston: Why Wasn’t Kaddour-Cherif Deported?
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, an Algerian sex offender mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, had overstayed his visa. This case has raised questions about the ineffective coordination between immigration policy and the criminal justice system.
Reasons for Non-Deportation
According to official sources, Kaddour-Cherif was not deported because there were pending criminal proceedings against him. The government avoids the removal of individuals while legal cases are still active, unless the police and Crown Prosecution Service consent to it.
“The government does not remove or deport people while criminal proceedings are ongoing, unless there is agreement with the police and Crown Prosecution Service.”
None of his prior sentences qualified for automatic deportation, which requires a custodial sentence of 12 months or longer. However, due to his repeated offenses, stage one deportation proceedings began earlier this year under the grounds that he posed a risk to public interest.
Criminal History
- Convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure.
- Sentenced to an 18-month community order.
- Placed on the sex offenders register.
“Why are foreign criminals being paid to leave the UK?”
Author’s Summary
The Kaddour-Cherif case exposes flaws in the UK’s deportation policies, highlighting how overlapping criminal and immigration systems allow offenders to remain within the country.