Fury as Two Prisoners Wrongly Released from HMP Wandsworth in a Week
Public outrage has grown after two inmates were mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth in southwest London in less than a week, sparking questions about the handling of prison operations.
Accidental Release of Brahim Kaddour-Cherif
Convicted Algerian sex offender Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, aged 24, was wrongly released on October 29. Metropolitan Police confirmed they were only informed six days later that he was missing.
Kaddour-Cherif had been convicted of indecent exposure in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, in March 2024, and of possessing a knife. He received a community order from the Inner London Crown Court in November of the same year after admitting to burglary at the Royal Society of Literature.
Second Prisoner Mistakenly Freed
In another serious error, 35-year-old Billy Smith was released on Monday, the same day he had been sentenced for fraud. Both incidents have raised serious doubts about security and administrative oversight at the prison.
Political Reactions
“A total farce,” said Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, “another dangerous criminal is on the loose thanks to Labour.”
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the situation as “a shambles.”
Broader Context
The mistaken release of Kaddour-Cherif came just days after the high-profile case of migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu, who was wrongly freed from HMP Chelmsford. Both incidents underline growing concerns about systemic failures in prison management.
Summary
Two prisoners’ wrongful releases from HMP Wandsworth in one week have stirred political backlash and renewed criticism of the UK prison system’s administration.