Labour’s commitment to strengthening prisoner release checks has been severely undermined following the accidental release of two criminals from HMP Wandsworth. The incidents occurred shortly after David Lammy, the Justice Secretary, assured MPs that robust measures had been implemented to prevent such errors. On October 29, 2025, Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old immigration offender, was mistakenly released and remains at large. This mistake followed the recent release of William Smith, a British national sentenced for fraud, who was freed on the same day as his sentencing.
Kaddour-Cherif, who was serving time for trespass with intent to steal, previously faced charges for indecent exposure. His release came to light six days later when police were finally informed of the error. This lapse in communication has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of the newly instated release checks that Lammy touted as the “strongest ever.”
The release of Kaddour-Cherif occurred just two days after Lammy’s announcement. He had claimed that prison governors were now required to complete a detailed checklist before releasing any offenders. The Minister expressed his outrage over the incident, attributing the failures to systemic issues left from the previous government.
The situation worsened with Smith’s release, which occurred due to a clerical error where court staff incorrectly logged his sentence as a suspended one instead of an immediate custodial sentence. The attempts to rectify this mistake were thwarted when the correction was sent to the wrong person at the prison. Smith, who had been sentenced to 45 months, was freed before the mistake was identified.
Robert Jenrick, the Conservative shadow justice secretary, criticized the Labour government, labeling the situation as chaotic. He remarked that the series of errors demonstrated a failure in the justice system, stating, “It’s been one farce after another under him. There’s never been a better time to be a criminal.”
The blunders are not isolated incidents for HMP Wandsworth, which has faced scrutiny following the high-profile escape of Daniel Khalife, a former soldier sentenced for espionage. Khalife’s escape involved hiding beneath a delivery lorry, raising further alarm about security protocols at the facility.
Kaddour-Cherif’s immigration status has also come under scrutiny. He arrived in the UK legally in 2019, but his visa expired months later. He has been classified as an overstayer since February 6, 2020, yet remained in the country without further action being taken against him. He is currently in the initial stages of the deportation process.
In a statement to the press, a spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police confirmed that efforts are underway to locate Kaddour-Cherif, who has a history of various offences, including possessing a knife and assaulting emergency services personnel. Meanwhile, Surrey Police have initiated a manhunt for Smith, who has connections to Woking but could be anywhere in Surrey.
The recent incidents amplify concerns about the integrity of the prisoner release process in the UK. As the Labour government navigates this crisis, critics are calling for immediate reforms to ensure the safety and security of the public. The events have sparked debates about accountability within the justice system and the need for a comprehensive review of existing policies regarding prisoner releases.
