A convicted murderer, Raymond McCourt, has gone missing from an open prison near Dundee, prompting a police search. The 59-year-old, who was jailed for the 1993 murder of a shopkeeper, was last seen in Glasgow before vanishing from HMP Castle Huntly on Tuesday.
McCourt’s Disappearance and Public Warning
Raymond McCourt was reported missing from HMP Castle Huntly, Scotland’s only open prison, at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The prison authorities raised the alarm after McCourt failed to return following a period of leave. CCTV footage shows McCourt earlier that day on Duke Street in the east end of Glasgow, dressed in a checked red, white, and blue shirt, a baseball cap, and a rain jacket.
Police Scotland has urged the public not to approach McCourt, describing him as a potentially dangerous individual. He has been linked to both Glasgow and Edinburgh and is known to use public transport.
McCourt, who is 6ft 2in tall with a stocky build, short grey hair, and a beard, also has reduced mobility. Police have released further CCTV footage showing him wearing a suit and tie. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to track him down.
A Troubling History of Violent Offenses
Raymond McCourt’s criminal history is extensive and violent. In 1993, at the age of 27, McCourt was convicted of murdering Khalid Mahmood, a shopkeeper in Cambuslang, Lanarkshire. McCourt shot Mahmood in the head during a robbery gone wrong.
McCourt’s violent spree didn’t end there. He also shot Moira Rooney, a local woman, and a police officer, PC Brian Williams, who was chasing McCourt as he fled the scene. In addition to murder, McCourt was convicted of attempted murder, assault, robbery, and firearms offenses.
The severity of McCourt’s past crimes has raised concerns among law enforcement, particularly given his escape from the open prison and subsequent disappearance.
Previous Release and Recall
McCourt had been previously released on licence in 2015, but his return to society was short-lived. Just weeks after his release, he was sent back to prison after being convicted of theft. During that time, McCourt admitted that he struggled with life outside of prison and had stolen valuables from his partner, Agnes Hailes, in Alyth, Perthshire.
Using the money he had stolen, McCourt took a holiday to Blackpool. When he was caught, McCourt confessed to police that he had committed the theft as a way to “blow off steam” before returning to prison. As a result, McCourt was given a 10-month sentence for theft and was subsequently recalled to prison.
McCourt’s Connections and Ongoing Search
McCourt’s connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh have made him a difficult target for authorities to track. Known for using public transport, McCourt could be anywhere between these two major cities. His ties to these areas, along with his mobility issues, suggest that he may be trying to hide out among familiar people or places.
As of now, Police Scotland has urged anyone with information about McCourt’s whereabouts to come forward. The police are asking the public to remain vigilant and avoid any confrontation with McCourt if spotted.
