A suspected rapist has fled the United Kingdom after being mistakenly released from prison weeks before his trial, a court has heard. The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and violence against a woman, and was being held in custody.
At a hearing on 6 February, a court error led to the issuance of a notice granting bail, triggering his release. Judge Martin Edmunds KC, Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, described the mistake as 'extremely rare' and said it would be fully investigated. The defendant subsequently left the country, reportedly for a European nation, using his original passport.
The defendant's barrister informed Isleworth Crown Court that her client wishes to return to face trial but cannot do so without state assistance. His British passport remains with police, and he is unable to obtain a visa to re-enter the UK. The judge has called on the Foreign Office or Home Office to confirm arrangements to facilitate his return.
The case highlights a broader issue of erroneous releases. Official figures show 262 inmates were mistakenly freed in the year to March 2025, a 128% increase from the previous year. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the government is 'urgently working with the police to return them to custody' and has commissioned an independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens.
