In a significant security lapse, a dangerous prisoner who had previously escaped from custody has managed to flee for a second time, raising serious concerns about procedural failures. Convicted robber Daniel Boakye, aged 21, is alleged to have gone missing while on a trip to hospital under police supervision.
Second Escape in a Week
Boakye first went missing from nearby HMP Feltham on Tuesday last week but was found at an address in south-east London the following day. However, it has now emerged that Boakye is again on the run after giving officers the slip on Sunday, February 15, while receiving medical treatment at Lewisham Hospital.
Police Statement and Description
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman confirmed the incident, stating: 'We are searching for a 21-year-old man who absconded from Lewisham Hospital at around 15:05hrs on Sunday, 15 February. Daniel Boakye was in police custody at the hospital receiving medical treatment when he fled. Officers gave chase but could not detain Boakye before he left the building.'
The police provided a detailed description: Boakye is black, of medium height and slim build. He was last seen wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a dark Nike jacket. The Met added that its Directorate of Professional Standards is aware of the incident and is currently reviewing it to fully understand the events which unfolded.
Criminal Background and Deportation Status
Boakye, formerly of Alma Road, Enfield, was jailed for six years and five months in July 2023 for conspiracy to commit robbery and an additional robbery offence. It is understood he is awaiting deportation to Ghana. Scotland Yard previously confirmed that Boakye escaped from a west London hospital on February 10 while under the care of prison staff, indicating a pattern of security breaches.
Details of Previous Crimes
Between June 2021 and January 2022, Boakye and three other teenagers participated in a spree of robberies and attempted robberies across London. Armed with knives, they forced victims to hand over their mobile phones and provide passcodes to unlock them. The group then transferred victims' cryptocurrency into 'hot wallets', stealing more than £115,000 in total. They also used stored bank details to buy top-up cards, pay for taxi fares, and complete other fraudulent transactions.
Boakye is also alleged to be a drill rapper, adding a layer of notoriety to his criminal profile. His repeated escapes highlight systemic issues in prisoner management and transport protocols.
Broader Context of Prisoner Escapes
Boakye is the latest dangerous prisoner to have absconded from custody, following other high-profile cases. Migrant sex attacker Hadush Kebatu was mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford in October last year, while Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was also at the centre of a manhunt the following month when he was mistakenly set free from HMP Wandsworth.
In response to these incidents, Justice Secretary David Lammy vowed to increase checks on prisoners being released, particularly after the nationwide manhunt for Kebatu. However, Boakye's case suggests that vulnerabilities persist, especially during hospital visits and other off-site movements.
The repeated escapes of high-risk individuals like Boakye underscore urgent needs for reform in custody procedures, with calls for enhanced monitoring and stricter protocols to prevent such breaches in the future. Public safety remains a paramount concern as authorities continue their search for the fugitive.
