Suspected rapist leaves country after being accidentally set free weeks before trial
A suspected rapist managed to flee the country after being mistakenly released from prison just weeks before his trial, it has been revealed.
The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and violence against a woman and has been detained in a UK prison.
Following a pretrial hearing in early February, the court mistakenly told the jail that the defendant could be released on bail, which triggered the defendant’s release from jail.
He later left the country shortly after gaining his freedom.
Details of the case emerged after a senior judge in London called on the government to intervene to ensure the man returns to court.
Judge Martin Edmunds KC, Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, said in a judgment: “Although such errors are extremely rare and are in fact the only instance of which I am aware that a prisoner in custody has been erroneously released to this court, we take this error extremely seriously.”
“We will investigate fully how the incident occurred and what steps can be taken to prevent it from occurring again.”
Isleworth Crown Court heard the defendant, who denied all charges against him, was remanded in custody after being arrested on multiple rape charges and was originally due to stand trial in June this year.
He appeared in court on January 26 for a hearing on whether the trial date will be postponed to March.
At the next hearing on February 6, a blunder was made when the defendant was not brought to court from prison, which led to the defendant’s accidental release.
“As a result of an error in court by HMCTS (HM Courts and Tribunals Service), the court granted bail,” the judge summarized, adding that there appeared to be confusion as the defendant was facing a second criminal case for which he was released on bail.
“An error was made in assuming that he was granted bail on both counts,” the judge said.
The defendant’s lawyer told the court on Friday that his client had left the UK for a European country after being mistakenly released from prison and had been unable to travel despite saying he wanted to return to the hearing.
“He is currently in a position where he cannot return to the jurisdiction,” he said.
“He cannot return to the country without further assistance from the state.”
The court was told that he left the country with the passport issued by the country he came from, that he could not obtain a visa to return to England because his British passport was still in the hands of the police, and that he could not say on what date he would return.
“I consider that confirmation is required from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office or the Home Office confirming that arrangements have been made to confirm that the defendant will be allowed to return to the UK if he chooses to take part in these arrangements,” the judge said.
“In short, a clear and practical plan.”
Another hearing will be held on Tuesday to determine whether the March hearing can take place and whether the defendant can return to the UK.
The issue of accidental release of prisoners was brought into sharp relief last autumn when it was revealed that HMP Wandsworth had mistakenly released a convicted sex offender and a fraudster.
Official figures showed 262 prisoners were mistakenly released by March 2025; a 128 percent increase from 115 inmates in the previous 12 months.
The government responded to the crisis by promising to improve the systems that deal with releases in prisons.
