A schizophrenic thug has gone on the run while on an outing from a secure unit in Perth.
“Restricted patient” Paul Brownlie absconded while on an escorted trip from Rohallion Secure Care Clinic at Murray Royal Hospital.
It is believed the 33-year-old is now in the Edinburgh area and members of the public are advised not to approach him.
Brownlie was sent to the State Hospital at Carstairs, a maximum-security unit which holds some of the country’s most dangerous psychiatric patients, after carrying out a drug-fuelled knife attack on a man in East Lothian when he was just 17.
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “Paul Brownlie is described as being 5’ 10”, stocky build, blue eyes, short fair/blonde hair, wearing navy blue jacket, white t shirt, blue jeans, white trainers.
“We are keen to trace this man as soon as possible. Although he is not considered to be a high risk of harm the public are advised not to approach him.
“If anyone sees him, or has any information regarding his whereabouts, they should contact Police Scotland on 101.”
NHS Tayside declined to comment on the issue, saying they were leaving the matter in the hands of the police.
For more on this story see Friday’s Courier.