Manhunt launched for Perth Rapist who failed to appear in court

A Manhunt was launched for a convicted rapist who did not appear in court for the last day of his trial.

Omed Hassan, from Perth, was convicted of rape a sleeping student in the university city of St Andrews, in his absence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday.

The 26 -year -old, who has been on a bail from February last year, failed to appear at the High Court, and the judge considered to be in the interest of justice for the trial to proceed in the absence of the accused.

The jury returned his verdict of guilt in a courtroom in which the dock was empty and Lord Ericht said to them: “You will understand why I had a start later this morning, because the accused did not appear.”

An arrest warrant was issued for Hassan, who is known by the frequency Perth, Aberdeen and Fife.

It is described as around 6 meters tall, with short, black hair.

Inspector Robb said: “I would urge this man to contact the police and if someone saw him on Thursday, March 13, or has information about where he is, please contact us.

“The wide questions and searches are underway in the areas where OMED is known. Public members are urged not to approach it, but should contact Scotland Police through 101 citing the number of incidents 0943 from March 13 ”.

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