Peston: Why wasn’t Kaddour-Cherif deported?

Peston: Why Wasn’t Kaddour-Cherif Deported?

Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, the Algerian sex offender mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth, had overstayed his visa. However, he had not been deported, raising questions about the interaction between visa regulations and the criminal justice system.

Reason for Non-Deportation

According to official sources, Kaddour-Cherif was not deported because there were ongoing criminal proceedings against him. The government policy prevents deportation while criminal cases are active, unless there is agreement with the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

"The government does not remove or deport people while criminal proceedings are ongoing, unless there is agreement with the police and Crown Prosecution Service."

Sentencing and Deportation Thresholds

None of Kaddour-Cherif’s sentences qualified for automatic deportation, which requires a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. Despite this, initial deportation steps were started earlier in the year because of his repeated offenses, considered harmful to the public interest.

In November 2024, he was convicted of indecent exposure.
He received an 18-month community order as a sentence.
He was registered on the sex offenders list.

"His repeat offending history was seen as contrary to the public good."

This case highlights the complications in applying visa and criminal justice policies together, which may prompt parliamentary scrutiny.

Author’s summary: The delay in deporting Kaddour-Cherif, due to his ongoing criminal cases and sentencing below deportation threshold, exposes flaws in the UK’s visa and justice system coordination.

ITVX — 2025-11-06