A major police operation is under way after a convicted murderer vanished from a Scottish prison on Tuesday evening.
Murderer on the run
Raymond McCourt, 59, was reported missing from HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison near Dundee, at around 5.30pm. He was serving a life sentence for the brutal 1993 murder of shopkeeper Khalid Mahmood during a failed robbery.
Left trail of violence
Just moments after the killing, McCourt also shot a bystander, Moira Rooney, and then police officer Brian Williams as he fled the scene. Both survived and were later praised for their bravery. Earlier that same day, McCourt had also attempted to rob a bakery.
He was convicted of murder, attempted murder, multiple assaults, robbery, and firearms offences.
Released and recalled
McCourt was released on licence in 2015 but was sent back to prison after stealing valuables from his partner’s home and selling them.
Do not approach
Police Scotland is urging the public not to approach McCourt. He is described as 6ft 2in, stocky, with grey hair and a beard. He has reduced mobility and was last seen wearing a long black trench coat, grey trousers, a grey waistcoat, a blue shirt, red and white tie, and brown shoes.
May be using public transport
He is known to use public transport and has links to both Glasgow and Edinburgh. A nationwide appeal has been launched to help track him down.
‘Unlawfully at large’
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service said: “I can confirm this individual is currently unlawfully at large and we are working with Police Scotland to return him to custody.”
Castle Huntly is Scotland’s only open prison and houses inmates classed as low supervision risk as they prepare for life on the outside.
Anyone who sees McCourt or has information on his whereabouts is urged to contact Police Scotland immediately.
