
A convicted murderer, Raymond McCourt, who escaped from HMP Castle Huntly, Scotland's only open prison, has been re-arrested after a brief manhunt. McCourt, 59, was reported missing on Tuesday evening, sparking an urgent search by Police Scotland. The public was advised not to approach him, citing his dangerous history and connections to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
McCourt's criminal past includes the 1993 murder of newsagent Khalid Mahmood, whom he shot in the head during a robbery attempt. His spree of violence also left local woman Moira Rooney and PC Brian Williams injured. Despite being sentenced to life imprisonment, McCourt was released on license in 2015, only to be returned to prison shortly after for theft and failing to adapt to life outside.
The fugitive was last seen wearing distinctive clothing, including a long black trench coat and a blue shirt with a red and white tie, before his capture. Plain-clothed officers apprehended McCourt as he disembarked from a Lothian Bus service on Leith Walk in Edinburgh, bringing an end to the widespread search.
Authorities have expressed relief at McCourt's swift recapture, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland. McCourt's return to custody underscores the challenges of rehabilitating long-term prisoners and the vigilance required to maintain public safety.

A man in his 50s remains in life-threatening condition after sustaining a serious head injury during an altercation with door staff outside licensed premises in Lurgan, County Armagh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning around 12:55am in the William Street area of the town, according to police statements from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).
Detective Inspector Handley confirmed that the man had been attempting to re-enter the licensed premises when he became aggressive toward two members of the door staff. Police reports indicate that the door staff pushed the man backward, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground, resulting in the serious head injury that now threatens his life.
The door staff provided immediate medical treatment to the injured man before he was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police have not released additional details about the man's identity or current medical status, focusing instead on their ongoing investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
PSNI detectives are continuing their enquiries and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information, CCTV footage, or mobile phone recordings of the incident to come forward. The police reference number for the investigation is 75 of 19/10/25, and information can be provided through multiple channels including the PSNI website or anonymously via Crimestoppers.