News · 23 February 2026
Suspected Rapist Accidentally Set Free and Flees UK Before Trial
A suspected rapist in the UK was mistakenly released from custody after a court error mistakenly granted him bail, despite pending charges of rape, sexual assault and violence. Following his accidental release in early February, the unnamed defendant left the UK using a passport from his country of origin. A senior judge has called the error “extremely serious” and is pushing for government help to secure his return so he can stand trial. An investigation into the administrative lapse is underway.
Reported by Sky News · How we write briefs