In a startling security lapse that has raised serious questions about prison procedures, a serving inmate was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth and managed to remain at large for three days before being apprehended.
System Failure at High-Security Prison
The extraordinary error occurred at the Category B men's prison in south-west London, which typically houses offenders considered significant risks to the public. The prisoner, who was serving a sentence for burglary, walked free due to what sources describe as an administrative blunder in the release process.
Authorities remained unaware of the mistaken release until the inmate failed to appear for a scheduled probation appointment, triggering an urgent manhunt across the capital.
Three-Day Manhunt Ends in Recapture
Following an intensive search operation involving multiple police units and prison service investigators, the escaped inmate was finally located and taken back into custody after seventy-two hours of freedom.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the recapture but declined to provide specific details about the location or circumstances of the arrest, citing operational sensitivities.
Serious Questions for Prison Service
This incident represents the second major security failure at HMP Wandsworth in recent memory, coming after the high-profile escape of terror suspect Daniel Khalife last year. The repeat occurrence has prompted urgent reviews of release verification processes.
Prison reform advocates have described the error as deeply concerning, highlighting potential systemic issues in prisoner management systems that could pose genuine risks to public safety.
The Ministry of Justice has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mistaken release, with findings expected to influence security protocols across the prison estate.
