Key Points
- A 24-year-old Algerian man was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth on 29 October.
- This release occurred shortly after the high-profile mistaken release of migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford.
- The error came two days after Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy announced enhanced checks on prisoner releases.
- Metropolitan Police were only informed on 4 November, nearly a week after the release.
- The Algerian prisoner was serving time for trespass with intent to steal but has prior sexual offences.
- Between March 2024 and March 2025, there were 262 instances of mistaken prisoner releases.
- Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy promised “the strongest release checks ever” and ordered an independent investigation into Kebatu’s release.
- Former Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police Dame Lynne Owens is leading the investigation.
- The Conservative Party described the Kebatu case as a “national embarrassment.”
- The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment regarding the latest incident.
What Happened at HMP Wandsworth?
As reported by Sky News, a foreign prisoner was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth in south London on 29 October. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the prisoner is a 24-year-old Algerian man who had been serving time for trespass with intent to steal but with a history of sexual offences. The error was only brought to the police’s attention on 4 November, prompting urgent efforts to locate and return the man to custody.
The Metropolitan Police stated:
“Shortly after 1pm on Tuesday 4 November, the Met was informed by the Prison Service that a prisoner had been released in error from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday 29 October. Officers are carrying out urgent enquiries in an effort to locate him and return him to custody”.
How Does This Incident Relate to Previous Mistaken Releases?
This case came just days after the high-profile wrongful release of Hadush Kebatu, a migrant sex offender, from HMP Chelmsford. That incident drew widespread criticism and heightened scrutiny regarding prisoner release processes. Notably, the mistaken release at Wandsworth happened only two days after Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy announced that enhanced checks would be implemented for prisoner releases.
According to Sky News, the numbers of such errors are rising, with 262 mistaken prisoner releases recorded between March 2024 and March 2025. This alarming trend has triggered political and public concern over prison system safeguards.
What Actions Have Authorities Taken?
Following the Kebatu release, David Lammy promised the “strongest release checks that have ever been in place.” He also commissioned an independent investigation into the Kebatu case, led by former Deputy Commissioner of the Met Police Dame Lynne Owens. The investigation aims to examine how such errors occurred and to recommend systemic improvements.
The Conservative Party labelled the Kebatu episode a “national embarrassment,” underscoring the political sensitivity surrounding prisoner release errors.
Regarding this latest incident at HMP Wandsworth, the Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment but had yet to respond at the time of reporting.
Why Was There a Delay in Notifying Police?
It remains unclear why there was a nearly week-long gap between the erroneous release on 29 October and notification to the police on 4 November. The delay has raised concerns about communication protocols between the prison service and law enforcement agencies, given the potential risk to public safety.
What Are the Broader Implications for Prisoner Release Processes?
This latest mistaken release adds to growing evidence of systemic issues in the management of prisoner releases in the UK. The increasing frequency of these errors raises questions about prisoner tracking, identification verification, and inter-agency communications.
The government’s promise to enforce the strongest release checks is a critical step, but the effectiveness of those measures will depend on rigorous implementation and ongoing oversight.
