An inmate inadvertently released from HMP Wandsworth voluntarily turned himself in this morning, declaring, “I’m the prisoner they’re looking for.” The released prisoner, convicted fraudster Billy Smith, 35, arrived at the Victorian prison wearing a blue Nike tracksuit around 10:30 am, following a drop-off in a flatbed truck.
Following an error that led to Smith’s premature release shortly after receiving a 45-month sentence for multiple fraud offenses, a significant manhunt was initiated by the police on Monday. Smith had made a live video court appearance from Croydon Crown Court within the prison premises before the mistaken release.
Photographs from today depict Smith surrendering to prison officers after his self-surrender. Before turning himself in, he was observed embracing a distraught woman in the van that transported him. Smith announced his intention to surrender, stating, “I’m the prisoner they’re looking for,” before lighting a cigarette outside the prison doors, accompanied by two male officers.
During the incident, there appeared to be initial confusion about Smith’s identity and reason for being there. He engaged in a conversation with one of the officers before finishing his cigarette and re-entering the prison. Witnesses observed the situation, noting the back-and-forth interactions before Smith’s return inside.
Another individual in a suit took a bag Smith had been carrying before leaving with it, while a guard alerted a colleague about the returned prisoner. Meanwhile, a separate search continues for Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a wrongly released Algerian sex offender from HMP Wandsworth, who was serving time for trespass and indecent exposure convictions.
Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed Smith’s return to custody and expressed discontent over the surge in mistaken releases. Efforts are underway to enhance prison systems by digitizing records to reduce errors and recapture Kaddour-Cherif with the cooperation of law enforcement.
Justice minister Alex Davies-Jones disclosed plans for a meeting with prison officials to address the outdated paper-based system of prisoner records and implement digital enhancements.
This ongoing situation underscores the need for effective prison management and stricter oversight to prevent similar errors in the future.
