Will Forster MP demands answers after second mistaken prisoner release from HMP Wandsworth in 6 days

The prisoner released is a Woking resident whose offences have predominantly taken place within Woking. 

Will Forster, the Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, has slammed the mistaken release of a second prisoner from HMP Wandsworth, describing the situation as “utterly unacceptable” and “distressing for Woking residents that a prisoner wrongfully released might have returned to our town.”  

This is the third such error in less than two weeks, following the mistaken release of an Algerian man from the same prison on 29 October, and another prisoner who was wrongly released from HMP Chelmsford just five days earlier on 24 October. 

Mr Forster said: 

“It’s utterly unacceptable that this person was wrongly released, especially on top of Brahim Kaddour-Cherif’s mistaken release from the same prison last week. 

“I have been informed that the police are actively working to apprehend this person as soon as possible, and they have reassured me that there is no indication of risk to the wider public. 

“I understand that this is distressing for Woking residents that a prisoner wrongfully released might have returned to our town. 

“I urge any residents with any information to contact police immediately via 101 or 999 if necessary. 

“This is yet another grave mistake from the Government. The public deserves a full explanation about how this has happened again. Both the Government and the Prison Service must own up to their failures and guarantee that these mistakes will stop happening once and for all.” 

Mr Forster is continuing to press the Government and the Prison Service for answers and assurances that robust measures are being taken to prevent any further wrongful releases.