Former soldier and terror suspect Daniel Abed Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth by securing himself to a delivery vehicle while dressed as a cook. Khalife, who was being held on remand in the jail for trial for terrorism and Official Secrets Act offenses at an RAF site, was the subject of an urgent search by the Metropolitan Police.
He was last spotted hanging to a vehicle carrying supplies to the jail while dressed as a chef and working in the kitchens. Manchester Airport, Glasgow Airport, and the Port of Dover all increased their security measures in response to the warning given by the force’s Counter Terrorism Command after his escape. After admitting a brief rise in departure line times at several UK airports, the Home Office acknowledged that the UK Border Force is aiding the police investigation into Khalife’s disappearance.
The jail he escaped from has a terrible reputation for being overcrowded and underpaid.
There were two occurrences in August 2021 and January 2023 at the RAF station in Stafford, and Khalife from Beaconside, Stafford, has been charged with both. He has rejected all allegations against him, including that he attempted to obtain information that may be used in the commission or planning of a terrorist attack. He was also accused of setting three wired canisters on a desk to create the false impression that they were about to explode or catch fire.
Khalife’s trial is scheduled to begin on November 13 and last for six weeks at Woolwich Crown Court.
Travelers say a “national issue” is to blame for long delays at airport security checkpoints in Manchester and Glasgow. The Metropolitan Police Department has issued a warning regarding Khalife, and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has called the prison’s governor and other top officials to get an update on the situation.
The court sessions of other inmates on remand at the south London facility have been interrupted due to the escape from Wandsworth jail.
