Nationwide Manhunt After Two Prisoners, Including Sex Offender, Wrongly Released from HMP Wandsworth

Post by : Raina Nasser

A major security failure has prompted a nationwide manhunt in the United Kingdom after two inmates, one a convicted sex offender, were erroneously released from HMP Wandsworth in south London. The episode has intensified scrutiny of prison controls and oversight mechanisms.

The first detainee, 24-year-old Algerian national Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, was mistakenly freed on October 29. Kaddour-Cherif had been serving a sentence for trespass with intent to steal and carries a prior conviction for indecent exposure recorded in November 2024.

The second inmate, 35-year-old William Smith, was released in error on November 3, one day after receiving a 45-month sentence for several fraud offences.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers are undertaking urgent enquiries to trace both men and return them to custody. Authorities described the releases as "utterly unacceptable" and said immediate steps will be taken to prevent similar breaches.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was reportedly not briefed before the police announcements. Downing Street stated that "one mistaken release is one too many" and that the government will carry out a rapid review of the circumstances.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, who has previously promised the "strongest release checks that have ever been in place," voiced strong concern over the repeated failures. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said Lammy was not fully briefed at first but ordered an immediate internal investigation once aware.

The errors follow the recent accidental release of migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford in Essex, escalating wider worries about errors in the prison system.

Opposition figures criticised the government over the incidents, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch highlighting unanswered questions around prisoner release procedures.

As searches continue, the public has been urged to report any sightings of the missing men. Security measures at relevant facilities have been tightened while investigations proceed.

The case has revived debate over prison protocols, oversight effectiveness and the safeguards needed to protect the public and maintain custody integrity.

The Ministry of Justice has pledged full transparency once inquiries conclude and reiterated that public safety remains the department's highest priority.