Rape suspect flees aboard after mistaken prison release

A man accused of rape and sexual assault has fled Britain after a court mistake led to his accidental release from prison, according to a report.

The defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been held in custody while facing multiple allegations of rape, sexual assault and violence against a woman.

However, after a pre-trial hearing earlier this month, a court official mistakenly informed prison authorities that he had been granted bail.

The error triggered his release, and the suspect soon left the country, The Telegraph reports.

Judges at Isleworth Crown Court were told the man travelled on a passport issued by his country of origin. His British passport remains with police, meaning he currently cannot obtain a visa to return to the UK.

The court heard the defendant denies all charges. He had originally been remanded in custody after being charged and was due to stand trial in June.

He appeared in court on 26 January to discuss whether the trial could be brought forward to March. But at another hearing on 6 February, when he was not brought from prison, the blunder occurred.

A judge said the mistake was caused by an error by HM Courts & Tribunals Service, with officials issuing a notice granting bail in error.

The confusion appears to have arisen because the defendant faces a second criminal case in which he had already been granted bail.

The defendant’s lawyer later told the court that he travelled to a European country after being freed and claims he wants to return to face trial but is currently unable to do so.

A further hearing is scheduled for Tuesday to decide whether the planned March trial can still go ahead and whether the defendant can return to UK.