The Ministry of Justice faces a crisis following the accidental release of two prisoners from the same jail within days of each other. Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a registered sex offender, was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth last week, while fraudster William Smith, also known as Billy, was released on Monday due to a mix-up in court records.
Police have launched manhunts for both individuals, with these incidents occurring shortly after another prisoner, Hadush Kebatu, was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford on October 24. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, acting as Justice Secretary, expressed his outrage and concern, highlighting systemic flaws within the criminal justice system.
Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian national, was in the process of deportation when he vanished on October 29. He had a history of legal issues dating back several years, including charges of burglary and indecent exposure. Despite being on the radar of authorities, his release went unnoticed for several days, with the police only being informed later.
The mix-up involving Smith’s release stemmed from a court error where his sentence was mistakenly recorded as suspended, leading to his premature release. Efforts to rectify the mistake were made but were unsuccessful, resulting in Smith being freed before the error could be corrected.
Authorities are actively seeking both individuals, emphasizing the importance of public assistance in locating them. The incidents have sparked criticism and calls for accountability within the justice system, with concerns raised about the frequency of such errors and the need for improved oversight and procedures.
