Two Inmates, Including Convicted Sex Offender, Wrongly Released — Police Search Underway

A serious procedural failure has prompted a police search across the UK after two inmates, one of them a convicted sex offender, were released in error from HMP Wandsworth in south London. The incident has focused attention on prison procedures and oversight.

The first case involves 24-year-old Algerian national Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, who was incorrectly discharged on October 29. He had been serving a sentence for trespass with intent to steal and carried a prior conviction for indecent exposure recorded in November 2024.

The second man, 35-year-old William Smith, was also released by mistake on November 3, a day after receiving a 45-month sentence for multiple fraud offences.

The Metropolitan Police said officers are conducting urgent enquiries to trace both men and return them to custody. Officials described the error as "utterly unacceptable" and said steps would be taken rapidly to prevent repeats.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was reportedly not informed of the releases until they were confirmed by police. His office stated that "one mistaken release is one too many" and pledged an immediate investigation into how the failures occurred.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, who has previously promised the "strongest release checks that have ever been in place," expressed alarm at the lapses. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said Lammy had not received a full briefing at first but had ordered an urgent inquiry once details emerged.

The incidents follow another recent error in which migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu was accidentally freed from HMP Chelmsford in Essex, intensifying scrutiny of prison administration. Opposition figures, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, have criticised the government for failing to provide clear answers about repeated release mistakes.

Authorities have urged members of the public to report any sightings of the missing men and said security measures at prisons have been strengthened while investigations continue. The case has reopened debate over the effectiveness of release protocols and oversight within the justice system.

The Ministry of Justice has promised a full account once enquiries conclude and reiterated that public safety remains a priority.