Former Soldier Captured After Prison Escape Congratulates Arresting Officer, Court Hears

 

A former soldier, Daniel Khalife, allegedly congratulated the police officer who apprehended him just days after he escaped from prison, according to testimony presented in Woolwich Crown Court. The officer recounted the incident on Friday, describing how he caught Khalife on a canal towpath in west London.

The plainclothes detective sergeant, who was not named during the proceedings, explained that he jumped out of his vehicle and ran toward the canal after spotting Khalife riding a bike that matched a description provided by authorities. “It was quite a fast-moving situation. I could see Khalife coming towards me on the footpath,” he told the jury. “I was sure it was Daniel Khalife. I told him he was under arrest and pulled out my Taser.” Khalife reportedly flinched at the sight of the device but continued to ride, prompting the officer to grab his arm and pull him off the bike.

Khalife, 23, is accused of escaping from HMP Wandsworth on September 6, 2023, by hiding under a food delivery lorry. He was arrested on September 9 while in possession of several items, including a phone, receipts, a diary, and approximately £200 in cash, the court heard. An image shown to the jury depicted Khalife seated on the ground after his arrest, wearing a white T-shirt, blue shorts, and red socks, with no shoes.

The officer explained that he had driven towards Khalife's last known location to intercept him. After apprehending Khalife, the officer noted that he complied with the arrest and did not resist. “He was friendly towards me. Quite jovial. At no point did he try to resist,” the officer said, adding that Khalife even congratulated him on the arrest.

During cross-examination, defense barrister Gul Nawaz Hussain KC questioned the officer about Khalife’s demeanor. The officer dismissed claims that Khalife had stopped voluntarily, stating, “Complete and utter rubbish.”

Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC previously informed the jury that Khalife had planned his escape after being assigned to work in the kitchen. On the day of his escape, he was seen shopping at various locations, including Mountain Warehouse and later at M&S and Sainsbury’s. His absence was discovered during a headcount, leading to a lockdown of the prison.

In addition to escape charges, Khalife faces allegations related to the Official Secrets Act, the Terrorism Act, and a bomb hoax, all of which he denies. The trial is ongoing.