Daniel Khalife, a 21-year-old former soldier, faces charges for a dramatic escape from Wandsworth prison after his arrest on Saturday, concluding a four-day manhunt.
Khalife is set to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, having been apprehended on a Northolt towpath after a plain-clothed police officer stopped him while riding a bicycle.
The audacious escape unfolded when Khalife concealed himself beneath a food delivery lorry, fleeing from HMP Wandsworth Prison on Wednesday morning. He stands accused of breaking free on September 6, while awaiting trial at the Old Bailey, contravening common law.
Before his escape, Khalife was detained on remand at the south-west London prison, facing previous charges related to the Official Secrets Act and the Terrorism Act. He is alleged to have attempted espionage for an undisclosed enemy state, thought to be Iran, and acquiring information beneficial for potential acts of terrorism. Additionally, he faces charges related to plotting a fake bomb hoax, all of which he vehemently denies.
The escape has raised questions about the prison’s security, prompting Justice Secretary Alex Chalk to initiate investigations into the incident. Preliminary inquiries indicate that security protocols and staffing levels were in place at the time, but Chalk emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing whether these protocols were adequately followed.
In response to the escape, a precautionary measure led to the transfer of approximately 40 inmates from HMP Wandsworth to other prisons.
The extensive manhunt for Khalife saw the police offer a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to his arrest, with over 100 calls from the public providing crucial leads. Ultimately, Khalife was apprehended on Saturday at 10:41 BST, roughly 14 miles away from the prison.
The case continues to captivate public attention, shedding light on prison security and the challenges of maintaining custody in high-profile cases.