Peston: Why Wasn’t Kaddour-Cherif Deported?
Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, an Algerian national convicted of sexual offenses and mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, had overstayed his UK visa. The situation highlights flaws in how immigration rules intersect with the criminal justice system—a concern expected to attract scrutiny from MPs.
Official Explanation
According to official sources, Kaddour-Cherif was not deported because there were unresolved criminal proceedings against him. Current government policy prevents deportation while legal actions are active, unless an agreement is reached with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.
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Deportation Criteria and Case Specifics
Authorities explained that none of Kaddour-Cherif’s convictions reached the automatic deportation threshold—defined as a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. However, initial deportation steps, called a “stage one notification,” were initiated earlier this year, given his repeated offenses and threat to public safety. In November 2024, he received an 18-month community order for indecent exposure and was added to the sex offenders register.
Author’s Summary
The Kaddour-Cherif case exposes critical inconsistencies between UK deportation policies and criminal justice processes, leaving room for serious public and parliamentary concern.