NHS Tayside has ordered a review after Clifford Lyons Dobbie, a notorious child rapist, absconded from escorted community leave in Perth city centre on Thursday, August 6.
Background of the offender
Dobbie, also known as Clifford Lyons, is a restricted patient who has spent decades in secure psychiatric hospitals. He was 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.
Police appeal and recovery
Police Scotland issued an urgent appeal after he went on the run, warning the public not to approach him and stating they wanted to trace him "as quickly as possible." The force confirmed he was found on Saturday.
Inspector Kris McCall of Police Scotland previously said Dobbie has links to Glasgow and the surrounding areas. He said: “The public should not approach him but should report any sighting to Police Scotland.”
Health board statement
A health board spokesperson said: "Due to patient confidentiality, we cannot discuss matters relating to an individual patient. NHS Tayside has a policy in place which has procedures for staff to follow in the case of a missing patient, and these have been followed in this instance. We take the safety of the public, our patients, and staff very seriously and we will be carrying out a full review of the circumstances surrounding this incident. We are continuing to work with Police Scotland at this time."
Public warning
The public was warned that 5ft 3in 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 was described as stocky and muscular, with a bald head, blue eyes and a distinctive squint.
His escape came 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.
A Police Scotland statement now confirms: "We are pleased to confirm Cliff Lyons Dobbie has been traced. Thanks to everyone who shared our appeal." No details about how Dobbie escaped or where he was found have been issued.
