Rape suspect freed from HMP Wormwood Scrubs in error now abroad

A man from London suspected of rape and currently awaiting trial was mistakenly released from prison and has since left the country, according to information obtained by the BBC. The individual had been held on remand at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, facing several charges including rape, sexual assault, and violence against a woman.

The error occurred after a pre-trial hearing earlier this month when a court official incorrectly informed the prison that the defendant could be released on bail. Acting on this information, the prison discharged the man, who subsequently traveled abroad. The defendant, who is in his forties and cannot be named for legal reasons, had denied all charges brought against him. His trial was initially scheduled for June but there had been a recent hearing to bring the date forward to March.

Judge Martin Edmunds KC, the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, expressed serious concern about the mistake and called for a thorough investigation into how the error happened and what measures could prevent a repeat incident. The court revealed that while one charge against the man did not justify custody, the prison was not made aware that he should still be held for the more serious accusations, including multiple counts of rape.

The man was released on 6 February and traveled to a European country using one of his two passports, while the other passport remains in police custody. Lawyers and police have maintained communication with the suspect, who has cited complications related to holding two passports as a reason for not returning to the UK. The judge emphasized the need for government officials to devise a clear and practical plan to ensure the defendant’s return for trial. A follow-up court hearing is set for Tuesday to decide whether the trial can proceed as scheduled and if the man can be brought back to face the charges. Recent official data also highlighted a significant rise in wrongful releases from prisons—262 in the year to March 2025, more than double the previous year—prompting government promises to improve prison release procedures

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More