Scotland is on edge after news broke that a convicted murderer has managed to escape from a low-security prison near Dundee.
The fugitive, 59-year-old Raymond McCourt, was serving a life sentence for a brutal killing that shocked the country back in the 1990s.
Now, police are racing against time to track him down—and they’re warning the public to steer clear.
The Crime That Put McCourt Behind Bars
McCourt’s name is familiar to many because of a chilling incident that unfolded in 1993.
At just 27 years old, he gunned down a local newsagent, Khalil Mahmood, shooting him fatally in the head during an attempted robbery.
But the violence didn’t end there—he also targeted a nearby bakery, leaving a trail of chaos in his wake.
During the same spree, he shot two others: Moira Rooney, a local resident, and PC Brian Williams, who had tried to stop McCourt as he attempted to flee the scene.
The crimes led to a heavy list of charges: murder, attempted murder, serious assault, robbery, and multiple firearm offenses.
A Life Sentence That Didn’t Keep Him In
McCourt was sentenced to life in prison, but in 2015, he was released on licence—a form of conditional release. However, his time outside was short-lived.
Within the same year, he was recalled to prison after reportedly struggling to adjust to life on the outside.
Despite his violent history, McCourt was being held at HMP Castle Huntly, an open prison where inmates are granted more freedom as part of their rehabilitation process.
That freedom now appears to have worked in his favor—he vanished from the facility on Tuesday evening.
Police Warn Public: Don’t Approach Him
Authorities are treating the situation with urgency. Police Scotland have issued a public warning, advising people not to approach McCourt under any circumstances.
He’s believed to have ties to both Glasgow and Edinburgh, and officers suspect he could be traveling using public transport.
McCourt is described as 6ft 2in, with a stocky build, short grey hair, and a beard.
He also has reduced mobility.
At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a long black trench coat, a blue shirt paired with a red and white tie, a grey waistcoat, grey trousers, and brown shoes.
Authorities Urge Public to Help Locate Him
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service confirmed that McCourt is officially considered unlawfully at large, and efforts are ongoing to bring him back into custody.
Police are asking the public to come forward with any tips, no matter how small, that might help trace his movements.
If you’ve seen Raymond McCourt or know anything that might help the investigation, you’re urged to contact Police Scotland by calling 101 and quoting reference 2857 of 22 April 2025.
For those who prefer to stay anonymous, tips can also be submitted via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
Public Concerns Grow as Search Continues
With a convicted killer on the loose, tension is growing across central Scotland.
The manhunt is now expanding into major urban centers, and residents are being told to remain vigilant.
This incident has also raised tough questions about the use of open prisons for high-risk inmates and whether more secure measures should be in place for those with such a violent past.
As the manhunt intensifies, the public and authorities alike are hoping this won’t end in tragedy.