Second Prisoner Wrongly Released as Police Launch Manhunt

Authorities are searching for a 24-year-old Algerian man who was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, marking the second such error. The individual was serving a sentence for trespass with intent to steal and has a prior conviction for indecent exposure.

This revelation came shortly after David Lammy, acting for the Prime Minister during PMQs, declined to answer repeated questions from shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge regarding whether other migrant prisoners had also been wrongly freed.

“I am absolutely outraged and appalled by the mistaken release of a foreign criminal wanted by the police,” said Mr. Lammy. “My officials have been working through the night to take him back to prison.”

This case follows the recent wrongful release of Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford, who was meant to be transferred to an immigration removal centre.

Key Facts

Second mistaken prisoner release from HMP Wandsworth involving a 24-year-old Algerian.
The man was serving time for trespass with intent to steal and has a prior indecent exposure conviction.
David Lammy refused to confirm if other migrant prisoners were also wrongly released.
Lammy condemned the release and affirmed efforts to remedy the situation overnight.
Follows a similar incident involving Hadush Kebatu’s wrongful release from HMP Chelmsford.

Author’s summary: The accidental release of two migrant prisoners has sparked outrage and a police manhunt, exposing serious flaws in the prison release system.

Stratford-upon-Avon Observer — 2025-11-05

Second Prisoner Wrongly Released as Police Launch Manhunt

Key Facts

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