Sex Offender Released by Mistake Found and Arrested
A sex offender mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth has been re-arrested following an intensive police search. The individual, identified as 24-year-old Brahim Kaddour Cherif, was taken into custody after a member of the public recognized him.
Details of the Incident
The Metropolitan Police reported they were informed on Tuesday about the mistaken release of Cherif, prompting an extensive manhunt. Cherif had been convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure connected to an incident that occurred in March of the same year. He received an 18-month community order and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years.
Arrest and Police Statement
Authorities believed Cherif, an Algerian national, had connections to Tower Hamlets and frequently visited Westminster. The police eventually located him in Islington after a tip from a local resident.
"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."
— Metropolitan Police spokesperson
Background
Cherif’s accidental release triggered swift coordination between police units and the public, resulting in his prompt capture. The error raised concerns about procedural oversight within HMP Wandsworth.
Author's summary: After his mistaken release, sex offender Brahim Kaddour Cherif was quickly found and arrested in Islington following helpful information from the public and rapid police action.