Suspected Rapist Accidentally Released and Flees UK Before Trial Due to Court Blunder
A suspected rapist has been accidentally set free from prison and managed to leave the United Kingdom just weeks before he is scheduled to stand trial, according to court revelations. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was being held in custody at a UK prison while facing multiple serious charges, including allegations of rape, sexual assault, and violence against a woman.
Court Official's Error Triggers Release
Following a pre-trial hearing in early February, a court official mistakenly informed the prison that the defendant could be released on bail, which directly triggered his freedom from jail. He subsequently left the country shortly after regaining his liberty, complicating the upcoming legal proceedings.
Details of this alarming case emerged as a senior London judge urgently called on the Government to intervene and attempt to ensure the man returns to face trial. Judge Martin Edmunds KC, the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, emphasized the seriousness of the situation in a ruling.
"Although such errors are extremely rare, and indeed this is the only instance I am aware of when there has been an erroneous release of a prisoner held in custody to this court, we take this error extremely seriously," stated Judge Edmunds. "We will fully investigate how it occurred and what steps can be put in place to prevent it occurring again."
Legal Proceedings and Confusion
Isleworth Crown Court heard that the defendant, who denies all charges against him, was remanded in custody after being charged with multiple counts of rape. His trial was originally set for June this year. He appeared in court on January 26 for a hearing to consider moving his trial date forward to March.
At a further hearing on February 6, when the defendant was not brought to court from prison, a critical blunder occurred. "By error on the part of HMCTS (HM Courts & Tribunals Service) at the court, the court issued a notice of grant of bail," explained the judge. He added that confusion arose because the defendant faces a second criminal case in which he has been granted bail, leading to a mistaken assumption that he was on bail for both matters.
Defendant's Current Situation
The defendant's barrister informed the court on Friday that her client left the UK for a European country after his mistaken release from jail. Although he claims he wants to return to face trial, he is currently unable to travel. "He is now in a position where he is unable to return to the jurisdiction," she said. "He is unable – without further assistance from the state – to return to the country."
The court learned that he left the country using a passport issued by his country of origin. He cannot obtain a visa to return to the UK because his British passport is still held by police, and he cannot specify a return date. Judge Edmunds highlighted the need for a clear plan: "What I consider is required is confirmation from Foreign or Home Office that confirms that arrangements are in place, that if the defendant chooses to engage with them, will allow him to return to the UK. In short, a clear and practical plan."
Broader Context of Accidental Releases
This incident brings the problem of prisoners being accidentally released into sharp focus. Last autumn, it emerged that HMP Wandsworth had wrongly freed a convicted sex offender and a fraudster. Official figures show a significant increase in such errors: in the year to March 2025, 262 inmates were mistakenly released, a 128% rise from the 115 in the previous 12 months.
The Government has responded to this crisis with promises to improve prison release systems. A further court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to determine if the March trial can proceed and whether the defendant will be able to return to the UK, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the justice system.
