Fury as Two Prisoners Wrongly Released from HMP Wandsworth in a Week
Two inmates have gone on the run after being mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London, sparking widespread anger and political criticism.
First Accidental Release
Algerian national and convicted sex offender Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, aged 24, was wrongly released on October 29. Police were informed only six days later, leading to outrage over the delay in communication.
“A total farce,” said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, adding that “another dangerous criminal is on the loose thanks to Labour.”
Second Blunder
In a separate incident, Billy Smith, 35, was freed from the same prison on Monday — the very day he had been sentenced for fraud. The Metropolitan Police are now searching for both fugitives.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the situation “a shambles.”
Background and Offences
Kaddour-Cherif, who had previously been convicted of indecent exposure in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, in March 2024, had also faced charges for carrying a knife. He was handed a community order by the Inner London Crown Court in November 2023 after admitting to burglary at the Royal Society of Literature and public indecency.
Wider Pattern of Errors
The incident came just days after another mistaken release — that of Hadush Kebatu, a migrant sex offender freed from HMP Chelmsford. The repeated errors have intensified scrutiny of the UK prison system and its handling of inmate records.
Author’s summary: Two wrongful prisoner releases from HMP Wandsworth have triggered public outrage and political condemnation, exposing serious procedural failures.