Urgent manhunt as convicted killer who shot newsagent within the head escapes from Scottish prison

A convicted killer has escaped from a Scottish prison sparking an pressing manhunt.

Raymond McCourt murdered a newsagent via taking pictures him within the head in 1993.

The 59-year-old used to be jailed for lifestyles however used to be reported lacking on Tuesday night time from HMP Castle Huntly, an open jail close to Dundee.

The public were steered to not way him, with police including that they consider he has connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The killer may be stated to make use of public delivery. 

McCourt used to be 27 on the time when he shot Khalil Mahmood prior to making an attempt to rob a close-by bakery.

Local Moira Rooney and PC Brian Williams had been additionally shot, with PC Williams looking to chase down the gunman as he fled the scene.

McCourt used to be charged with homicide, tried homicide, attack and theft, attack to serious harm and firearms offences. 

The gunman used to be remaining observed dressed in an extended black trench coat, a blue blouse with a crimson and white tie in addition to a gray waistcoat, gray get dressed trousers and brown sneakers

McCourt used to be reported lacking the day past night time from HMP Castle Huntly, an open jail close to Dundee, launching an pressing manhunt

McCourt – who’s described as 6ft 2in with a stocky construct, quick gray hair, a beard, and lowered mobility – used to be launched from jail on license in 2015 however used to be despatched again the similar yr as he used to be ‘suffering to manage’ with lifestyles out of doors jail.

The gunman used to be remaining observed dressed in an extended black trench coat, a blue blouse with a crimson and white tie in addition to a gray waistcoat, gray get dressed trousers and brown sneakers.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson showed with STV News that ‘this particular person is lately unlawfully at massive and we’re running with Police Scotland to go back him to custody.’

Police Scotland have requested the general public to come back ahead with any data or sightings that can assist observe down the assassin.

This will also be handed onto officials by way of 101, quoting reference 2857 of 22 April, 2025.

They added that any one wishing to offer data anonymously can achieve this in the course of the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.