A prisoner was arrested on suspicion of rape moments after being set free under Sir Keir Starmer‘s early release scheme, MailOnline can reveal.
The extraordinary scene played out yesterday morning during a mass freeing of inmates at Wandsworth Prison in south-west London.
The man was seen walking out of the gates of the jail before turning his head from side to side in astonishment as he realised police were waiting for him.
He allowed himself to be cuffed and led away into a waiting van that took him to a nearby police station.
Following an enquiry to the Met, it has emerged the man, 28, was arrested on suspicion of rape, sex assault and a racially aggravated public order offence – raising the question of why he was ever lined up for early release in the first place.
The man was seen walking out of HMP Wandsworth following his release yesterday morning
He looks around in astonishment as he notices police officers are waiting for him
The Met told MailOnline: ‘A 28-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of rape, sexual assault and a racially/religiously aggravated public order offence.
‘He was taken to a south London police station before being bailed pending further enquiries in relation to the allegation of rape.
‘No further action will be taken in connection with the other allegations.’
It is unclear when the alleged rape took place.
The incident came amid joyous scenes outside Britain’s prisons, as 1,700 criminals were set free after serving a fraction if their sentences.
At Wandsworth, sparkling wine was sprayed in the air as a group of men celebrated the early release of one of their friends, known only as Daniel.
Cheers went up as the young man left the jail and was quickly embraced by a woman before joining the rowdy group.
The friends, who arrived in a fleet of luxury cars including a black BMW, passed the hours in the lead-up to his release listening to music, smoking and laughing in what resembled a party atmosphere.
The man allowed himself to be handcuffed and led into a waiting police vehicle
He is then led away into a waiting police van, which took him into custody
They brought along two £17.99 bottles of Luc Belaire Luxe sparkling wine, which were shaken and sprayed as their friend exited the prison gate.
A total of 16 inmates had left Wandsworth by midday.