A convicted murderer has gone missing from an open prison facility situated near Dundee, prompting a significant police response and public warning. Raymond McCourt, aged 59, was last reported seen on Tuesday around 5:30 PM after he failed to return to HMP Castle Huntly. Prior to his disappearance, he was spotted earlier that day at approximately 4:40 PM on Duke Street in Glasgow, dressed in a distinctive outfit comprising a checked red, white, and blue shirt, a checked baseball cap, and a rain jacket. In light of his escape, Police Scotland has advised the public to refrain from approaching him due to the potential danger he poses.

Raymond McCourt hails from Glasgow and has a long history with the criminal justice system. Notably, he was released on licence in 2015 but was returned to prison shortly thereafter for theft, just weeks after his release. During a court hearing at that time, it was revealed that McCourt had struggled with the responsibilities that came with his freedom and expressed a desire to return to the safety of incarceration. According to reports, the alarm was raised regarding his current escape when he failed to return to the prison following a period of leave, which is a common practice in open prison settings.

Interestingly, witnesses have reported seeing McCourt dressed in a suit and tie, which deviates from his typical attire. This transformation in his clothing could indicate an attempt to blend in or avoid recognition. A spokesperson for Police Scotland highlighted that McCourt is known to utilize public transport and has established connections in both the Glasgow and Edinburgh regions, which could facilitate his evasion from authorities.

In terms of his physical description, McCourt stands at 6 feet 2 inches tall and has a stocky build, supplemented by short grey hair and a beard. Importantly, it has been noted that he also has reduced mobility, which could impact his ability to evade capture. McCourt's criminal history is particularly egregious; he was convicted at the young age of 27 for the murder of shopkeeper Khalid Mahmood in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, back in 1993. In this violent incident, he shot Mahmood in the head and subsequently attempted to rob a nearby bakery. Furthermore, McCourt was involved in additional violence, including shooting local resident Moira Rooney and police officer Brian Williams, who was pursuing him following the murder.

The circumstances surrounding McCourt's escape are particularly concerning, given his violent background and the potential risks he poses to the community. Police Scotland has intensified efforts to locate him, urging anyone who may have information regarding his whereabouts to come forward immediately. The ongoing search is reflective of broader issues regarding the management of open prisons and the safety of communities when dealing with individuals convicted of serious crimes.