A convicted rapist who was mistakenly freed from prison claims he told officers it was an error and asked to remain in custody. Bernadin Dedic, 48, was released from HMP Wormwood Scrubs in February due to an administrative mix-up at Isleworth Crown Court. Within hours, he fled to his native Bosnia via Eurostar.
Speaking to the Press Association, Dedic stated: 'They told me I was released. I said: Let me stay the weekend, this is a mistake. But they pushed me out.' He had been awaiting trial for allegedly raping a woman at knifepoint and threatening to kill her.
Court Error Led to Release
An official at Isleworth Crown Court mistakenly mixed up digital case files after a hearing on February 6, wrongly concluding that Dedic had been granted bail. The error was communicated to the prison. Dedic's legal team had previously failed to secure bail, even offering an £80,000 surety and strict conditions.
After release, Dedic contacted his lawyers and friends, who advised him to flee. He did not return for his trial in March, initially citing visa issues, then a skiing injury, and later chest pains. The trial proceeded in his absence, and a jury found him guilty of four counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault by penetration, and other charges.
Victim's Ordeal
The court heard Dedic had drunk red wine and snorted cocaine before holding the victim at knifepoint, cutting off her clothes, and threatening to kill her and himself. Prosecutor Simon Sandford said: 'She was terrified and was prepared to do whatever he said.'
Judge Hannah Duncan, who decided to proceed without Dedic, remarked: 'This is yet another attempt by Mr Dedic to obstruct, manipulate and avoid justice.' Dedic has said he will not return for sentencing, citing a fear of enclosed spaces on planes.
Government Response
The Ministry of Justice stated it is implementing changes after an independent review by Dame Lynne Owens. A spokesperson said: 'We fully understand the distress these errors cause. This government is investing £82 million to digitise and improve the archaic paper-based release systems.' A review hearing is scheduled for July 7, but no sentencing date has been set.
