Fury Over Two Prisoners Wrongly Released From HMP Wandsworth
Two inmates remain at large after mistakenly being released from HMP Wandsworth in south-west London. Among them is 24-year-old Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a convicted Algerian sex offender, who was freed in error on October 29. The Metropolitan Police only learned he was missing six days later.
On the same day as his sentencing, Billy Smith, 35, was also released by mistake. Smith had just been jailed for fraud but was let out prematurely due to administrative errors.
Official Reactions
- Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader, described the situation as "a total farce" and condemned the release of another dangerous criminal, attributing the failures to the Labour party.
- Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, called the case "a shambles," criticizing the management of the prison system.
Details of the Releases
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif had been convicted for flashing—exposing himself—in Lloyd Park, Walthamstow, in March 2024. He was sentenced to a community order in November after pleading guilty to burglary at the Royal Society of Literature and the indecent exposure.
His release comes shortly after the notable case of migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu, who was freed from HMP Chelmsford just days earlier.
"Another dangerous criminal is on the loose thanks to Labour," said Nigel Farage.
Kemi Badenoch described the situation as “a shambles.”
Police continue to search for both Kaddour-Cherif and Smith following these procedural errors.
Author’s summary: Two serious administrative mistakes at HMP Wandsworth led to the wrongful release of two prisoners, sparking political outrage and ongoing police manhunts.