Story perspectives

Two Criminals Mistakenly Released: Calls for System Overhaul

11/5/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Two criminals, including a foreign sex offender, were mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth in London.
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, an Algerian, was freed on October 29, and William Smith was released shortly afterward.
This incident followed the accidental release of Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national.
Justice Secretary David Lammy announced stronger checks and an investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens, with critics calling for a full overhaul of sentencing and discharge procedures.

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Story summary

Two criminals, including a foreign sex offender, were mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth in London.
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, an Algerian, was freed on October 29, and William Smith was released shortly afterward.
This incident followed the accidental release of Hadush Kebatu, an Ethiopian national.
Justice Secretary David Lammy announced stronger checks and an investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens, with critics calling for a full overhaul of sentencing and discharge procedures.