A major search operation is underway after convicted child rapist Clifford Lyons Dobbie escaped from staff while on escorted community leave in Perth city centre on Thursday, August 6. Dobbie, also known by the surname Dobbie, is a restricted patient and remains on the run.
Background of the offender
Dobbie has spent decades in secure psychiatric hospitals after being convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl in Glasgow while on bail for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1990. He has been detained in high-security units, including the State Hospital at Carstairs, ever since.
Appearance and last seen
The 5ft 3in fugitive is described as white, stocky and muscular, with a bald head, blue eyes and a distinctive squint that is more noticeable when he is not wearing glasses. He was last seen wearing white trainers, light blue ripped jeans, a salmon-coloured golf shirt, a light blue jumper, a black cap and thick black-rimmed glasses. He was also carrying a black backpack and a black puffer jacket.
Dobbie has distinctive tattoos on both arms, including two blue tiger-like eyes on his right arm and a blue and red Rangers tattoo on his left arm. He speaks with a strong Glaswegian accent.
Previous incident and public warning
The escape comes years after Dobbie was assaulted by another patient while being held at Rowanbank Clinic in Glasgow. In 2017, he required medical treatment after allegedly being repeatedly punched by a fellow restricted patient in the unit's grounds.
Members of the public have been warned not to approach Dobbie if they see him. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Police Scotland immediately by calling 999 in an emergency or 101, quoting incident number 20260806-1696. Police Scotland and the NHS have been contacted for comment.
