British police have launched a manhunt for two prisoners who were mistakenly released from jail, sparking widespread concern and anger among parliamentarians. The latest mix-up committed by the UK’s beleaguered prison system involves Brahim Kaddour Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian man and registered sex offender, who was released in error from Wandsworth prison in southwest London on October 29. Cherif was convicted in November 2024 of indecent exposure relating to an incident in March that year and placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years.
The police were informed of the mistake on November 4, and since then, officers have been working urgently to locate Cherif and return him to custody. “Cherif has had a six-day head start, but we are working urgently to close the gap and establish his whereabouts,” said Commander Paul Trevers, who is leading the investigation. The Metropolitan Police force has assured the public that they are doing everything possible to ensure Cherif is apprehended and brought back to justice.
In a separate incident, police in Surrey reported that Wandsworth prison had also mistakenly released another man, 35-year-old William Smith, who was convicted of multiple fraud offenses. Smith was released on Monday, the same day he appeared at a hearing where he received a 45-month sentence. The police are working to locate both men and return them to custody.
This incident has drawn sharp criticism from Justice Secretary David Lammy, who expressed outrage and disappointment over the mistake. Lammy emphasized that the government is taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future, including implementing stronger prison security checks. The opposition has also weighed in, with some suggesting that the previous Conservative government was partly to blame for leaving behind a “chaotic” and overcrowded prison system.
The UK’s prison system has faced increased scrutiny over mistaken releases, with figures showing 262 people were freed from prison in error between March 2024 and March 2025, up from 115 in the previous year. This incident has further embarrassed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s struggling centre-left Labour government, which is already facing criticism over immigration and law and order issues.
