Sex Offender Released from Prison by Mistake Arrested
A large-scale manhunt was initiated after Brahim Kaddour Cherif, a sex offender, was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth prison. The Metropolitan Police were notified on Tuesday and immediately began searching for the 24-year-old.
Cherif was convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure related to an incident that occurred in March 2024. He received an 18-month community order and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years. He is an Algerian national believed to have connections to Tower Hamlets and known to frequent Westminster.
Police Operation Details
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said:
"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."
Summary of Key Facts
- Brahim Kaddour Cherif was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth.
- Convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure.
- Given 18 months community order and five years on the Sex Offenders’ Register.
- Arrested on 7 November after being spotted by a member of the public.
- Also arrested for suspected assault on an emergency worker from a separate incident.
Authorities quickly located and apprehended Cherif due to prompt public reporting and police response.
Author’s summary: A sex offender mistakenly released from prison was swiftly recaptured after a public sighting led to his arrest and additional charges related to assaulting an emergency worker.