Peston: Why Wasn’t Kaddour-Cherif Deported?
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, an Algerian national and convicted sex offender who was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, had remained in the UK despite overstaying his visa.
This situation highlights deep problems within the interaction between immigration policy and the criminal justice system — an issue that is now drawing the attention of Members of Parliament.
Official Explanation
According to official sources, Kaddour-Cherif was not deported because there were ongoing criminal proceedings against him. Current government policy prevents deportation while such proceedings are active, unless the police and Crown Prosecution Service agree otherwise.
Why are foreign criminals being paid to leave the UK?
Sentencing Threshold and Deportation Rules
Officials stated that none of Kaddour-Cherif’s convictions reached the threshold for automatic deportation, which requires a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. Nonetheless, earlier this year he was issued a stage one deportation notice due to his pattern of repeat offending, deemed harmful to public interest.
In November 2024, Kaddour-Cherif was convicted of indecent exposure. He received an 18‑month community order and was placed on the sex offenders register.
Author’s Summary
The case of Kaddour-Cherif exposes the systemic flaws in UK deportation policies and how legal technicalities can prevent the removal of offenders who pose public risks.