The search is ongoing for an escaped prisoner who went missing four days ago while authorities unveil fresh photographs.
James Fitzpatrick, aged 36, disappeared from HMP Castle Huntly, the sole open prison in Scotland, on December 30. The public has been advised not to approach him but to promptly notify the police if spotted.
Authorities in Scotland revealed that Fitzpatrick was last spotted alighting from a bus on Main Street in Stevenston on December 29. He had boarded the No 11 Stagecoach bus from High Street in Irvine earlier that morning.
A photo released by law enforcement depicts him on the bus, which travels to Ardrossan, before disembarking around 12 pm. Another image captures him with his hood up at a bus stop. Following his exit from the bus, he was observed heading towards New Street and has not been sighted since, as reported by the Daily Record.
Fitzpatrick is described as white, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a stocky build and short brown hair. At the time of his last sighting, he was clad in a black Nike tracksuit featuring white stripes along the arms and legs, and carrying a yellow JD Sports carrier bag along with a large black holdall.
He had absconded during an approved visit from HMP Castle Huntly and is affiliated with Ayrshire.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland stated, “Efforts are underway to locate a 36-year-old individual who failed to return to HMP Castle Huntly following an authorized visit and has traveled to Ayrshire.”
“James Fitzpatrick was reported missing on December 30 and was last seen at approximately 11:30 am on December 29 on Irvine’s High Street, where he boarded the No 11 Stagecoach bus bound for Ardrossan.”
“Investigations indicate that he disembarked from the bus at noon on Main Street in Stevenston, proceeding towards New Street. He has not been sighted since, and officers are eager to find him.”
Individuals who spot Fitzpatrick are urged to contact the police at 999, citing incident number 2717 dated December 29, or reach out to the Crimestoppers charity anonymously at 0800 555 111.
