Escapee Brahim Kaddour-Cherif Recaptured
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, a 24-year-old Algerian convicted sex offender, has been rearrested and returned to HMP Wandsworth following a police manhunt lasting two days. He was mistakenly released on October 29 due to a prison error involving the misclassification of his custodial sentence for knife possession.
Background and Crimes
- Kaddour-Cherif was released alongside another inmate, William "Billy" Smith.
- He is a registered sex offender convicted of indecent exposure on November 24, for which he received a community order and was placed on the sex offenders' register for five years.
Details of Arrest
Police arrested Kaddour-Cherif at 11:30 a.m. in Finsbury Park, north London, after he was identified by a member of the public.
"Officers have arrested Brahim Kaddour Cherif who was released in error from HMP Wandsworth on 29 October. Cherif was spotted by a member of the public in Blackhorse Lane, Islington just before 11.30am. Officers responded immediately and he was arrested."
Video footage shows a police officer recognizing Kaddour-Cherif by his "distinctive wonky nose" despite his denial, with the suspect saying, "I am not Brahim."
Summary
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif’s unintentional release due to administrative error led to a swift police response and recapture after a notable public sighting.
Author’s Note
This incident highlights the risks of administrative errors in prison systems and the effectiveness of community vigilance in aiding law enforcement.