Police launch manhunt after another foreign prisoner mistakenly released from jail

Police Launch Manhunt After Foreign Prisoner Mistakenly Released

The police have initiated a manhunt following the accidental release of a foreign prisoner. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed that he is “absolutely outraged” by the incident.

On October 29, 24-year-old Algerian Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a sex offender, was mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London. However, the Metropolitan Police were only informed of the error on Tuesday.

Background on the Released Prisoner

Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was serving time for trespass with intent to steal. Sources reveal he had a prior conviction for indecent exposure.

Previous Similar Incident

This case follows a similar situation where migrant Hadush Kebatu was wrongly released from HMP Chelmsford on October 24. Kebatu had been jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Epping.

Parliamentary Reaction

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Justice Secretary David Lammy, deputising for Sir Keir Starmer who was attending COP30 in Brazil, repeatedly declined to confirm whether other asylum seekers had been accidentally released since Kebatu’s case.

Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge questioned: “Can he reassure the House that since Kebatu was released, no other asylum seeking offender has been accidentally let out of prison?”

In response, Mr. Lammy criticized the justice system the current Government inherited from the Conservatives but refused to provide a direct answer.

Summary

Two separate incidents involving the accidental release of foreign prisoners have raised concerns, with officials withholding confirmation about further cases and highlighting systemic issues within the justice system.

Author's Note

This case spotlights critical flaws in prison management and raises urgent questions about justice system oversight in handling foreign offenders.

Yorkshire Post — 2025-11-05