A convicted rapist who was mistakenly released from prison has claimed he told staff "let me stay" before fleeing the country. Bernadin Dedic, 48, was freed from HMP Wormwood Scrubs in February 2026 due to an administrative error at Isleworth Crown Court. He promptly took a Eurostar to his native Bosnia and has not returned.
Details of the Mistake
Dedic was in custody awaiting trial for allegedly raping a woman at knifepoint. A court official 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, leading to his release. Dedic told the Press Association: "They told me I was released. I said: 'Let me stay the weekend, this is a mistake.' But they pushed me out."
Fleeing the UK
After his release, Dedic called his lawyers and friends, who advised him to leave the UK. He did not attend his trial in March, initially citing visa issues. When those were resolved, he claimed a skiing knee injury prevented travel. In June, he said he suffered chest pains en route to the airport. The trial proceeded in his absence, and a jury found him guilty of four rape charges, sexual assault, and threats to kill.
When asked if he would return for sentencing, Dedic replied: "No." He also claimed a fear of enclosed spaces prevents him from flying.
Court and Government Response
Judge Hannah Duncan, who conducted the trial in Dedic's absence, said: "This is yet another attempt by Mr Dedic to obstruct, manipulate and avoid justice." The Ministry of Justice stated it is implementing changes after an independent review by Dame Lynne Owens, including investing £82 million to digitize release systems. A review hearing is scheduled for July 7, but no sentencing date has been set.
