Ex-soldier Daniel Khalife changes plea to guilty of Wandsworth prison escape

Daniel Khalife, a former soldier from the UK, has admitted guilt for attempting to break out of Wandsworth prison during his trial.

The 23-year-old, who is testifying at Woolwich Crown Court, originally denied the charge of fleeing from HMP Wandsworth in southwest London in September 2023.

On Monday, Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb informed the jury that she had inquired of Khalife whether he wanted the escape charge presented to him once more. When it was brought up again, he responded, “I’m guilty.”

He maintains that he did not collect any information that could benefit an adversary, compile a list of Special Forces personnel that could be targeted for terrorist activities, or engage in any bomb hoax.

Khalife managed to break out of prison by hiding underneath a food delivery truck, using a makeshift harness made from kitchen pants. Once he was caught again, he stated that he was looking forward to being placed in a high-security unit at another facility, as the court had already heard.

The court was informed that he staged a false escape attempt on August 21, thinking it would lead to a transfer to the High Security Unit (HSU). However, after realizing that the incident wasn't brought to the attention of higher prison authorities, he concluded that a real escape was his only choice.

Khalife requested to stay in the High-Security Unit at HMP Belmarsh, a section of the prison housing some of the most dangerous offenders in the country, as he thought it would be a safer environment for him, according to the court.

Five days prior to his successful getaway, he secured a makeshift sling to the bottom of the truck using kitchen straps and carabiners. According to Khalife, the sling wasn't detected at the Wandsworth gate or at any other prison.

"When the tail lift went up, it completely concealed me," he went on. "If they didn't spot the temporary sling, they're definitely not going to see me."

During his time on the run, Khalife purchased some clothing from Marks & Spencer and grabbed a coffee at McDonald's. He then strolled along the River Thames until he was apprehended by the police three days later.

"I acknowledge that I left the prison without authorization," he informed the jury. "I was never truly a spy. I would do anything to return to my military career."

During his trial on Monday, the court learned that Khalife took a hat from a Mountain Warehouse store and rode away on a bicycle he discovered.

“The bike was falling apart, but I brought it back to life,” he shared.