Police Launch Manhunt After Another Foreign Prisoner Mistakenly Released
London police have initiated a manhunt following the accidental release of a foreign prisoner from jail. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed his strong outrage over the incident.
Details of the Release
On October 29, 24-year-old Algerian Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth, located in south-west London. The error was only reported to the Metropolitan Police on the following Tuesday. Kaddour-Cherif was serving a sentence for trespass with intent to steal but had prior convictions for indecent exposure.
Context and Previous Incident
This case follows the wrongful release of migrant Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford on October 24. Kebatu had been imprisoned for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping.
Government Response in Parliament
At Prime Minister’s Questions, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, standing in for Sir Keir Starmer who was attending COP30 in Brazil, avoided confirming whether any other asylum seekers had been mistakenly released. On five occasions, he declined to answer related questions.
Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge asked: “Can he reassure the House that since Kebatu was released, no other asylum seeking offender has been accidentally let out of prison?”
Mr. Lammy strongly criticized the justice system left by the previous Conservative government but did not provide confirmation on further releases.
Summary
The repeated accidental release of foreign prisoners has prompted a manhunt and raised serious concerns about the oversight of the current justice system.
Author’s conclusion: These incidents expose critical flaws in prison management, prompting urgent demands for accountability and reform.