Prisoner Released by Mistake Arrested After Manhunt
Brahim Kaddour Cherif, a registered sex offender, was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth prison, triggering a widespread police search. He was detained soon after.
Details of the Release and Arrest
The Metropolitan Police were notified on Tuesday about the erroneous release of the 24-year-old from Wandsworth. Officers were dispatched immediately to locate him.
Cherif was arrested on Friday, 7 November, following a public sighting near Capital City College on Blackstock Road, Islington. He was detained at 11:30 AM, roughly seven minutes after the tip-off.
Background on Brahim Kaddour Cherif
- Convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure linked to a March 2024 incident.
- Sentenced to an 18-month community order.
- Registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years.
- Algerian national with known ties to Tower Hamlets; frequently visited Westminster.
Police Statement
"At 11.23am on Friday, 7 November, a call was received from a member of the public reporting a sighting of a man they believed to be Brahim Kaddour-Cherif in the vicinity of Capital City College on Blackstock Road in Islington. Officers responded immediately and at 11.30am detained a man matching Cherif's description. His identity was confirmed and he was arrested for being unlawfully at large."
"He was also arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker in relation to a previous unrelated incident. He has been taken into police custody. The Prison Service has been informed."
Summary
The mistaken release of Brahim Kaddour Cherif from prison led to a rapid police operation that resulted in his prompt arrest and return to custody.