Prisoner Released by Mistake Arrested After Manhunt
Sex offender Brahim Kaddour Cherif was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth prison, triggering a large-scale manhunt. The Metropolitan Police were notified on Tuesday about the erroneous release of the 24-year-old.
Cherif, an Algerian national, was convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure during an incident in March of the same year. He received an 18-month community order and was registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years.
Manhunt and Arrest Details
The Metropolitan Police deployed officers to locate Cherif, who was believed to have connections to Tower Hamlets and often visited Westminster.
"At 11.23am on Friday, 7 November, a call was received from a member of the public reporting a sighting of a man they believed to be Brahim Kaddour-Cherif near Capital City College on Blackstock Road in Islington.
Officers responded immediately and at 11.30am detained a man matching Cherif's description. His identity was confirmed and he was arrested for being unlawfully at large.
He was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker in relation to a previous unrelated incident. He has been taken into police custody. The Prison Service has been informed.
Background
- Convicted of indecent exposure in 2024
- Placed on five-year Sex Offenders’ Register
- Given 18-month community order
- Known to frequent Tower Hamlets and Westminster areas
Authorities continue to monitor the situation regarding Cherif's custody status.
Author's summary: Brahim Kaddour Cherif was mistakenly released from prison, leading to a swift police operation culminating in his re-arrest and custody for unlawful escape and other charges.