Police ScotlandA manhunt has been launched for a convicted rapist who failed to appear in court for the final day of his trial.
Omed Hassan, from Perth, was convicted of raping a sleeping student in the university town of St Andrews in his absence at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday.
The 26-year-old, who has been on bail since February last year, failed to appear at the High Court and the trial judge held that it was in the interests of justice for the trial to proceed in the absence of the accused.
The jury returned their guilty verdict in a courtroom where the dock was empty and Lord Ericht told them: “You will understand why we had a later start this morning because the accused did not turn up”.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Hassan, who is known to frequent Perth, Aberdeen and Fife.
He is described as around 6ft tall with short, black hair.
Inspector Robb said: “I would urge this man to get in contact with the police and if anyone has seen him since Thursday, March 13, or has any information on his whereabouts, please contact us.
“Extensive enquiries and searches are ongoing throughout the areas Omed is known to frequent. Members of the public are urged not to approach him but should contact Police Scotland through 101 quoting incident number 0943 of March 13”.
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