Fury Over Wrongful Releases from HMP Wandsworth
Two prisoners escaped after being mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London, sparking public outrage.
Details of the Releases
- Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, an Algerian convicted sex offender, was wrongly released on October 29. Police were not informed until six days later.
- Billy Smith, 35, was released on the same day he was sentenced for fraud, on Monday, highlighting a severe administrative error.
Official Reactions
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, described the situation as “a total farce” caused by Labour’s management, calling it dangerous that criminals are at large.
"Another dangerous criminal is on the loose thanks to Labour," said Farage.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labelled the situation "a shambles," emphasizing the government’s failure to maintain secure custody.
Background of Brahim Kaddour-Cherif
Kaddour-Cherif was convicted for indecent exposure in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, in March 2024. He pleaded guilty to burglary at the Royal Society of Literature, receiving a community order in November last year from Inner London Crown Court.
Context of Similar Releases
This mistaken release follows closely after Hadush Kebatu, another migrant sex offender, was freed from HMP Chelmsford just days earlier, intensifying concerns over prisoner management.
Police continue to search for both Kaddour-Cherif and Smith following their accidental releases.