Daniel Khalife, a 21-year-old terror suspect, has made a court appearance facing charges of escaping from Wandsworth prison. His alleged escape occurred on Wednesday, leading to a manhunt that concluded with his arrest in a London suburb on Saturday, marking 75 hours on the run.
Khalife, a former soldier, was reportedly working in the prison kitchen and was attired in a cook’s uniform when he made his daring escape. Details surrounding the escape revealed that he is accused of strapping himself to the underside of a food delivery vehicle, utilising material that is believed to have been fashioned from bed sheets.
Appearing before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Khalife faced charges of escaping from lawful custody on September 6. During the proceedings, Prosecutor Thomas Williams outlined the nature of the escape, asserting that Khalife had used the strap to support himself during the getaway.
Daniel Khalife’s escape from HMP Wandsworth garnered significant attention due to his previous status as a member of the Royal Signals, with his base at Beacon Barracks in Stafford. Khalife had been on remand at HMP Wandsworth, awaiting trial for a range of charges. These charges included allegedly leaving fake bombs at a military base, a charge brought under the Terrorism Act, and another under the Official Secrets Act, accusing him of committing an “act prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state.”
Khalife’s journey from a former soldier to a terror suspect and his daring escape have drawn attention to the complex and multifaceted nature of his legal case. His appearance in court marks the beginning of legal proceedings that will further explore the circumstances surrounding his escape and the charges he faces.
