UK Prison Security Breach: Manhunt Underway for Two Mistakenly Released Prisoners Including Sex Offender

The United Kingdom authorities have launched a double manhunt after two prisoners were erroneously released from HMP Wandsworth in south London, according to The Guardian. This incident follows the recent mistaken release of migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford in Essex.

Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian national convicted of indecent exposure in November 2024, was incorrectly released on October 29. He had been serving time for trespass with intent to steal.

The second prisoner, William Smith, aged 35, was released on November 3, merely one day after receiving a 45-month sentence for multiple fraud offenses.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed to Sky News that prison authorities reported the Algerian man's erroneous release shortly after 1:00 pm on November 4. Police officers are currently conducting "urgent enquiries" to locate and return him to custody.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was reportedly unaware of the incident until the police announcement. His spokesman told reporters that "one mistaken release is one too many" and described the case as "utterly unacceptable." The spokesman added, "It's important the police are given the time and space to bring him back into custody. And we will look into the circumstances behind this as a matter of urgency."

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy has faced criticism over the incident. Following the earlier release of Kebatu, Lammy had promised "the strongest release checks that have ever been in place."

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Lammy on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "James Cartlidge asked the Deputy PM FIVE times to tell us if ANOTHER migrant sex offender had been accidentally released from prison. Instead of answering, Lammy lost his temper. Now we read it HAS happened again & he's been on the run for a week. This is a shambles of a government."

A spokesman for Badenoch added, "If we knew, one can only assume the justice secretary knew."

The Ministry of Justice claimed on Wednesday that Lammy had not been accurately informed of key details. A spokesperson stated that the "deputy prime minister was asked questions about the release of an asylum seeker. As was confirmed after PMQs by the Home Office, the individual was not an asylum seeker."

The spokesperson further explained that Lammy "waited until after PMQs and further facts had emerged before making a statement."

Subsequently, Lammy expressed outrage over the incident and ordered an investigation, stating: "I am absolutely outraged and appalled by the mistaken release of a foreign criminal wanted by the police."