Rape suspect freed from jail in error now abroad

A suspected rapist awaiting trial has been mistakenly set free from prison and has left the country, the BBC has learnt.

The man from London was on remand at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, charged with multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and violence against a woman.

After a pre-trial hearing in early February, a court official wrongly told the prison the defendant could be set free on bail and he was later released, leaving the country soon afterwards.

Details of the case emerged as a top judge called on the government to intervene to try to ensure the man returns to stand trial next Monday. The man, who is in his forties, cannot be named for legal reasons.

"We take this error extremely seriously," said 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 charges against him, was remanded in custody after being charged with multiple counts of rape, and was originally due to stand trial in June this year.

He appeared in court on 26 January for a hearing to consider whether his trial date should be brought forward to March.

Following that hearing, HMP Wormwood Scrubs received a notice from the court stating the defendant had been granted bail.

One of the charges he faces did not, on its own, merit remand in custody. But the prison had not been told by the court to continue to detain the man in relation to the more serious charges, including rape.

The man was released from prison on 6 February and soon after left the UK for a European country on one of his two passports - the other was being held by the police.

The BBC understands that both the man's lawyers and the police have been in contact with the suspect - but he has told them that he cannot return because of complications relating to him having two passports.

The judge urged government officials to work out a "clear, practical" plan to bring the man back to the UK for trial.

A further court hearing is due to take place on Tuesday to determine if the trial in March can take place and whether the defendant will be able to return to the UK.

Official figures showed that in the year to March 2025, 262 inmates had been mistakenly let out - a 128% increase on the 115 in the previous 12 months.

The government responded to the crisis with promises to improve systems in prisons that deal with releases.