Peston: Why Wasn’t Kaddour-Cherif Deported?
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, an Algerian sex offender who was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, had overstayed his UK visa. This has led to serious concerns about how immigration laws and the criminal justice system interact.
The Reason Behind the Delay
According to official sources, the main reason Kaddour-Cherif was not deported was that there were unresolved criminal proceedings against him. The government generally avoids deporting individuals while legal cases are ongoing, unless both the police and the Crown Prosecution Service agree to it.
“Why are foreign criminals being paid to leave the UK?”
Threshold for Automatic Deportation
Officials clarified that none of Kaddour-Cherif’s sentences met the requirement for automatic deportation, which applies only to those sentenced to 12 months or more in custody.
Nevertheless, the authorities initiated what is known as a stage one deportation notification earlier this year due to his repeated offenses, deeming his continued presence in the UK contrary to public interest.
Offending History
- Convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure
- Sentenced to an 18-month community order
- Placed on the sex offenders register
Author’s Summary
The case of Brahim Kaddour-Cherif highlights systemic flaws between immigration control and criminal justice, raising questions about how Britain handles repeat foreign offenders.