Daniel Khalife, a 21-year-old former soldier, has been apprehended after escaping from Wandsworth prison, where he was on remand, for four days. He was arrested on a towpath in Northolt by a plain-clothed officer and is due to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Mr. Khalife’s escape from the prison involved hiding under a food delivery lorry. He had been held on remand at HMP Wandsworth Prison in south-west London, facing charges under the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act. He is accused of attempting to spy for an enemy state, believed to be Iran, and obtaining information for potential acts of terrorism. He also faces charges related to a fake bomb hoax plot at MOD Stafford, where he had been stationed, which he denies.
The incident raised concerns about prison security, prompting an investigation by Justice Secretary Alex Chalk. Preliminary inquiries have determined that security protocols and staffing levels were in place at the time, though questions remain about their adherence.
As a precautionary measure, approximately 40 inmates on remand were transferred from HMP Wandsworth to other prisons following Mr. Khalife’s escape.
Police had offered a £20,000 reward for information leading to Mr. Khalife’s arrest and received over 100 calls from the public. He was ultimately detained in Northolt, approximately 14 miles from the prison, bringing his escape to an end.
-BBC-
