Police Launch Manhunt After Prisoner Mistakenly Released
The police have begun a manhunt following the accidental release of a foreign prisoner. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed that he is “absolutely outraged” by the incident.
Details of the Incident
On October 29, Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian sex offender, was mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London. The Metropolitan Police were only informed of the error on Tuesday. Kaddour-Cherif was serving a sentence for trespassing with intent to steal and had a previous conviction for indecent exposure.
Related Recent Case
This event follows the wrongful release of Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford on October 24. Kebatu had been jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping.
Government Response
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Justice Secretary David Lammy, deputising for Sir Keir Starmer at the Cop30 summit in Brazil, declined to confirm if any other asylum seekers had been mistakenly released, despite being asked five times.
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?”
Lammy, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, criticized the justice system inherited from the previous Conservative government but refused to provide confirmation.
Summary
The government is facing scrutiny after two cases of wrongful prisoner releases, with authorities actively searching for the recently freed individual while key officials remain cautious in their statements.
Author's Summary
The accidental release of foreign prisoners has sparked criticism and a police manhunt, highlighting ongoing challenges within the justice system and government accountability.