Fury as two prisoners wrongly released from HMP Wandsworth in a week

Fury Over Wrongful Releases from HMP Wandsworth

Two prisoners are currently absconding after being mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London. Among them is Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian convicted sex offender, who was wrongly set free on October 29. However, the Metropolitan Police were only notified of his escape six days later.

In a separate incident at the same prison, Billy Smith, 35, was released on Monday—the very day he had been sentenced to jail for fraud.

Official Reactions

Details on the Released Prisoners

Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was convicted for flashing in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, in March 2024. He was sentenced to a community order by Inner London Crown Court in November 2023 after admitting to burgling the Royal Society of Literature and committing indecent exposure.

This release follows a recent high-profile case where migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu was freed from HMP Chelmsford, highlighting growing concerns over prisoner management.

“Another dangerous criminal is on the loose thanks to Labour.” — Nigel Farage
“A shambles.” — Kemi Badenoch

Ongoing Police Search

Both prisoners remain at large, with police actively hunting for them after these significant administrative errors came to light.

Summary: Two prisoners, including an Algerian sex offender, were mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, sparking outrage and criticism over prison management and delayed police notifications.

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London Evening Standard London Evening Standard — 2025-11-05

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