Nearly 40% of Prison Officers No-Showed During Terror Suspect’s Wandsworth Escape
Shock figures reveal a shocking 39% of Wandsworth prison officers failed to show up on the day terror suspect Daniel Khalife broke free. The 21-year-old ex-soldier used a major staffing shortfall to make his daring escape in a van on September 6.
Staff Shortage Sparks Security Fears
Ministry of Justice data shows 80 officers were absent from duty when they were desperately needed. Despite Government claims staffing levels were “above minimum,” critics are crying foul.
“It is deeply concerning that on the day Khalife escaped, just 60% of prison officers turned up for duty,” said Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, who uncovered the figures. “With such low staff numbers, mistakes were bound to happen.”
Government Defends Staffing Levels Amid Scrutiny
Prisons Minister Damian Hinds insisted that staffing was sufficient, stating all essential teams, including kitchen and gatehouse staff, were present that day. Initial MoJ probes claim staff shortages did not play a role in the escape.
Independent Probe into How Khalife Broke Out
Former National Crime Agency chief Keith Bristow is leading a deep dive into the incident. The investigation will review how Khalife got hold of tools, examine security around delivery lorries, and scrutinise staff deployment.
Khalife was caught three days later on a west London canal by a plain-clothes counter-terrorism officer.
Findings will be handed to Justice Secretary Alex Chalk and senior Ministry pals as the scandal stirs serious questions about Wandsworth’s ability to keep terror risks locked up tight.
