An incarcerated individual who was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth voluntarily surrendered himself this morning, stating, “I’m the prisoner they’re looking for,” upon arrival.
Billy Smith, a 35-year-old convicted fraudster, arrived at the Victorian prison in a blue Nike tracksuit around 10.30 am, brought in by a flatbed truck. This occurred after a significant manhunt was initiated by the police on Monday following Smith’s erroneous release shortly after receiving a 45-month sentence for multiple fraud charges at Croydon Crown Court.
Images captured Smith surrounded by prison staff as he turned himself in. Prior to surrendering, he was seen embracing a woman in tears inside the van that transported him.
Smith announced his intention to re-enter custody, stating, “I’m the prisoner they’re looking for. I’m about to hand myself in.” He was observed conversing with prison officers before finishing a cigarette and re-entering the facility following a brief disagreement.
Witnesses reported initial confusion over Smith’s identity and purpose, with him going in and out of the prison doors multiple times. A female guard provided him with a lighter for his cigarette as he savored what seemed to be his final moments of freedom.
Another individual took a bag from Smith before a guard announced his return to the facility. Additionally, authorities are still searching for an Algerian sex offender, Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, who was mistakenly released from the same prison.
Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed Smith’s return to custody and expressed dissatisfaction with the rise in mistaken releases. Efforts are underway to enhance prison systems through digital tools to reduce errors and recapture Kaddour-Cherif.
Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones announced a meeting with prison officials to address the outdated paper-based prisoner record system. The incident underscores the need for modernization within the prison system to prevent future errors.
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