Police Launch Manhunt After Prisoner Mistakenly Released
Police have initiated a manhunt following the accidental release of another foreign prisoner. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed his strong outrage over the incident.
Details of the Incident
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian serving time for trespass with intent to steal, was inadvertently freed from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London on October 29. The Metropolitan Police were informed of the error only on the following Tuesday. Sources also revealed that Kaddour-Cherif had a prior conviction for indecent exposure.
Context and Related Cases
This case follows the wrongful release of migrant Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford on October 24. Kebatu had been jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping.
Government and Parliamentary Responses
During Prime Minister’s Questions, Justice Secretary David Lammy, acting on behalf of Sir Keir Starmer who was attending COP30 in Brazil, declined to confirm if other asylum seekers had also been mistakenly released despite repeated inquiries.
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 responded by criticizing the justice system inherited from the Conservatives but did not give a direct answer.
Summary
This series of accidental releases highlights serious issues within the justice system, prompting a manhunt and government scrutiny without full transparency on the scope of the problem.
Author’s Conclusion
Repeated errors in prisoner releases expose troubling flaws in justice system management that demand urgent reform and accountability.