Police have launched an urgent manhunt after a prisoner awaiting trial was mistakenly released from a Worcestershire jail in what authorities are calling a serious error.
The Mistaken Release
Callum Thomas, a 22-year-old man from Redditch, was being held at HMP Hewell in Worcestershire while awaiting trial for criminal damage and assault charges. In what prison officials have described as an administrative failure, Thomas was incorrectly released from custody on Tuesday, September 17th.
The error was discovered during routine checks, prompting immediate action from West Mercia Police. Authorities confirmed that Thomas had been in custody awaiting trial and should not have been released under any circumstances.
Police Appeal and Public Warning
West Mercia Police have issued a public appeal for information regarding Thomas's whereabouts. A police spokesperson stated: "We are appealing for help to find Callum Thomas, who was released from prison in error. We would urge anyone who sees him or knows where he is to contact us immediately."
The public have been explicitly warned not to approach Thomas if spotted and instead to contact authorities directly. Police have provided their non-emergency number, 101, and incident reference 442i of 17 September for anyone with information.
Thomas is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, of medium build with brown hair and blue eyes. He has connections to the Redditch area in Worcestershire, where he is believed to have been living prior to his imprisonment.
Prison Service Under Scrutiny
This incident raises serious questions about security procedures at HMP Hewell, a category B and C prison that houses both sentenced prisoners and individuals on remand. The mistaken release of a prisoner awaiting trial represents a significant breach of protocol that has prompted an internal investigation.
A Prison Service spokesperson acknowledged the error, stating: "We are working closely with the police to recapture this prisoner. We take all incidents of this nature extremely seriously and have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this release."
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the UK prison system, highlighting ongoing concerns about administrative controls and verification processes within correctional facilities. The case has drawn attention to the potential risks posed by procedural failures in the justice system.
Local residents in the Worcestershire area have expressed concern about the security lapse, particularly given that Thomas was being held for alleged violent offences. The police have assured the public that locating Thomas remains their top priority and that additional resources have been allocated to the search operation.
