A 25-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to assisting former soldier Daniel Khalife following his escape from HMP Wandsworth in September 2023.
Imran Chowdhury, of Chingford, east London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, where he denied the charge of assisting an escaped prisoner. He was arrested by the Metropolitan Police in January 2024 and charged via post in December 2024.
Court Proceedings
During a short hearing, Chowdhury confirmed his name, address, and date of birth. Wearing a white shirt and black jumper, he was informed by District Judge Briony Clark that the charge against him was too serious to be dealt with at the magistrates’ court. He was directed to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 4 February 2025.
Chowdhury was granted bail with conditions, including residing at his home address in Parade Gardens, Chingford.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no further action would be taken against a 25-year-old woman who was also arrested in February 2024 on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Prosecution Allegations
Prosecutor Emma Harraway stated:
“As you are aware, the defendant is charged with assisting Khalife, whose escape attracted worldwide press coverage. It is the Crown’s case that he was with Khalife on the day he escaped, took him to an ATM, and withdrew £400.”
“The £400 allowed him to buy food, clothing to conceal his identity, and mobile phone top-ups.”
Daniel Khalife’s Conviction
Khalife, 23, was convicted in November 2024 of breaching the Official Secrets and Terrorism Acts after being found guilty of spying for Iran. He had already admitted to escaping from HMP Wandsworth, triggering a nationwide manhunt.
He was eventually tracked down and arrested on a canal towpath just a few miles from the prison on 9 September 2023.
Khalife, who joined the British Army at 16, was reportedly frustrated after being informed that his Iranian heritage would prevent him from obtaining the necessary security clearance to work in high-level intelligence. He later began leaking official secrets to Iranian agents.
Escape and Capture
While on remand, Khalife managed to escape by tying himself to the underside of a food delivery truck leaving the prison. Despite an alarm being raised, the vehicle was allowed to exit, and CCTV footage later showed a prison officer waving the lorry through the gates.
He remained on the run for four days before being captured by police.
Further updates will be provided following Chowdhury’s hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
