Sex Offender Released by Mistake Found and Arrested
A large-scale manhunt was launched after sex offender Brahim Kaddour Cherif was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth prison. The Metropolitan Police were informed of the error on Tuesday and immediately deployed officers to locate him.
Background and Conviction
Brahim Kaddour Cherif, 24, was convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure related to an incident earlier that year in March. He received an 18-month community order and was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for five years. Cherif is an Algerian national believed to have connections to Tower Hamlets and frequented the Westminster area.
Arrest Details
"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."
Police Response
- The Metropolitan Police acted promptly after the public tip-off.
- Cherif was detained within seven minutes of the report.
- He faces additional charges related to assaulting an emergency worker from a separate incident.
This case highlights the swift response of law enforcement to correct a serious prison release error and protect public safety.
Author’s summary: After a mistaken prison release, sex offender Brahim Kaddour Cherif was quickly identified and arrested by police following a public sighting, ensuring swift justice and community safety.