An Algerian national whose wrongful release from prison triggered a national outcry has been sentenced to 26 weeks in jail for assaulting two police officers. Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, gained notoriety after being mistakenly freed from HMP Wandsworth in October 2025, despite multiple criminal charges pending against him. His latest conviction has reignited discussions around prison safety and the management of offenders.
The Incident at Blackhorse Road
On July 20, Kaddour-Cherif was at Blackhorse Road Underground station when he was confronted by off-duty police constable Bradley Glynn. Glynn had observed Kaddour-Cherif attempting to steal a mobile phone from a sleeping passenger. After intervening and returning the phone to its rightful owner, Glynn instructed Kaddour-Cherif to leave the train.
Prosecutor Kevin Kendridge detailed how the situation escalated. When Glynn shouted “thief” to draw attention, Kaddour-Cherif retaliated by punching him in the head. As the two exchanged blows, on-duty officer Jason Norton joined the fray, attempting to assist Glynn. The struggle intensified, with Kaddour-Cherif managing to punch Glynn again and even biting him, leaving visible marks on the officer’s arm. Both officers expressed their distress over the encounter, with Pc Norton fearing he may have contracted an illness from the bite.
A Troubling Background
Kaddour-Cherif’s legal troubles extend well beyond this recent incident. He has been in the UK since 2020, overstaying his visa and accumulating a series of convictions, which include a previous assault on an emergency worker. In November 2024, he registered as a sex offender after being convicted of indecent exposure in a London park.
His wrongful release from prison on October 29, 2025, was a significant misstep by the authorities, as he was supposed to remain in custody pending trial for multiple offences, including burglary and carrying a knife. This error came to light only when court officials attempted to arrange a video hearing and discovered he was no longer in custody.
Re-arrest and Sentencing
Kaddour-Cherif was apprehended again on November 7, 2025, near Finsbury Park after a public tip-off. Following his return to custody, he pleaded guilty to charges of burglary and knife possession, resulting in a 188-day sentence. As of now, he is in Home Office custody, awaiting further questioning regarding his asylum claim.
During his court appearance via video link, Kaddour-Cherif expressed frustration at the characterisation of his actions, insisting he was not aware that the individuals he had assaulted were police officers. He claimed he had been outnumbered and accused his legal representation of failing to adequately defend him.
Why it Matters
The case of Brahim Kaddour-Cherif brings to light serious concerns about the management of offenders within the UK prison system. His initial release not only placed the public at risk but also reflects broader systemic issues that need addressing. The safety of police officers and the community hinges on ensuring that those with serious criminal backgrounds are effectively monitored and managed. The repercussions of this incident may lead to calls for stricter protocols and further scrutiny of prison releases, aiming to prevent such failures in the future.
