William Fernandez at East Acton station
(Picture: Metropolitan Police)Detectives are hunting a man awaiting trial for sexual assault after he was mistakenly released from HMP Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London.
William Fernandez, 24, was being held on remand awaiting trial accused of sexual assault by touching, indecent exposure and possession of a class B drug, having been arrested and charged in April 2020, the Metropolitan Police said.
Staff at the prison informed the force on Wednesday night that Mr Fernandez had been released from custody that evening in error.
It is believed Mr Fernandez travelled by London Underground from East Acton station and was later spotted on CCTV walking along Wealdstone High Street, heading north.
There have been no confirmed sightings of him since.
Mr Fernandez is white, of medium build, with thinning hair and a dark beard. He has a distinctive cross tattoo on the left hand side of his neck. He was last seen wearing a black tracksuit and black hat.
Scotland Yard said the 24-year-old is known to use the name Agustin Fernando Jimenez Eiberte.
Detective Inspector Rory Wilkinson, who is leading the search, said: “Officers are exploring every possible line of enquiry to track Fernandez down and return him to prison.
“We would ask the public to assist us by being our eyes and ears and calling us if they see him or have any information about his whereabouts.”
The Met has urged the public not to approach Mr Fernandez if they see him, but instead call 999 immediately providing the reference 7873/24MAR.
