Suspected rapist leaves nation after being unintentionally let out weeks earlier than trial | EUROtoday

A suspected rapist has managed to depart the nation after being unintentionally let out from jail simply weeks earlier than he was as a consequence of stand trial, it has been revealed.

The man, who can’t be named for authorized causes, was charged with a number of allegations of rape, sexual assault and violence towards a lady and held in custody in a UK jail.

After a pre-trial listening to in early February, a court docket unintentionally advised the jail that the defendant could possibly be let out on bail, triggering his launch from jail.

He then left the nation shortly after regaining his freedom.

Details of the case emerged as a high London decide known as on the federal government to intervene to strive to make sure the person returns to face trial.

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“Although such errors are extremely rare, and indeed this is the only instance I am aware of when there has been an erroneous release of a prisoner held in custody to this court, we take this error extremely seriously,” mentioned Judge Martin Edmunds KC, the Recorder of Kensington and Chelsea, in a ruling.

“We will fully investigate how it occurred and what steps can be put in place to prevent it occurring again.”

Isleworth Crown Court heard the defendant, who denies all the costs towards him, was remanded in custody after being charged with a number of counts of rape, and was initially as a consequence of stand trial in June this yr.

He appeared in court docket on 26 January for a listening to to contemplate whether or not his trial date needs to be introduced ahead to March.

At an extra listening to on 6 February, when the defendant was not dropped at court docket from jail, a blunder was made that led to his unintended launch.

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“By error on the part of HMCTS (HM Courts & Tribunals Service) at the court, the court issued a notice of grant of bail,” outlined the decide, including that it seems there was confusion as a result of the defendant faces a second prison case by which he has been granted bail.

“A mistake was made assuming he was on bail on both matters,” the decide mentioned.

The defendant’s barrister advised the court docket on Friday that her consumer left the UK for a European nation after his mistaken jail launch, and although he says he desires to return to face trial, he’s unable to journey.

“He is now in a position where he is unable to return to the jurisdiction,” she mentioned.

“He is unable – without further assistance from the state – to return to the country.”

The court docket was advised he left the nation on the passport issued by the nation the place he originates, and can’t now receive a visa to return to the UK as a result of his British passport continues to be being held by the police, and he additionally can not say on which date he’ll return.

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“What I consider is required is confirmation from Foreign or Home Office that confirms that arrangements are in place, that if the defendant chooses to engage with them, will allow him to return to the UK,” mentioned the decide.

“In short, a clear and practical plan.”

An extra court docket listening to is because of happen on Tuesday to find out if the trial in March can happen and whether or not the defendant will be capable of return to the UK.

The drawback of prisoners being unintentionally launched got here into sharp focus final autumn when it emerged that HMP Wandsworth had wrongly freed a convicted intercourse offender and a fraudster.

Official figures confirmed that within the yr to March 2025, 262 inmates had been mistakenly let loose – a 128 per cent improve on the 115 within the earlier 12 months.

The authorities responded to the disaster with guarantees to enhance techniques in prisons that cope with releases.