20/02/2008

Killer Back Behind Bars

A killer is today back in custody following a dramatic escape during a hospital visit when he escaped from prison guards and threatened security staff during his trip to Perth Royal Infirmary on Tuesday afternoon.

George McGeoch was said to have locked two private Reliance security officers in their van. Police had to free them from the vehicle when they arrived at the scene.

Today though, Tayside Police said the 36-year-old had been arrested after being spotted by a patrol in Perth.

McGeoch, who is serving a life sentence for offences including murder and abduction, had been attending a planned appointment when he escaped.

The Scottish Prison Service said it had launched an investigation.

Police described the arrest as "pretty smooth", given the high-risk nature of the prisoner.

Insp Alistair Black said McGeoch, from Glasgow, had been spotted at the junction of Dunkeld Road and Gowans Terrace.

"He was coming up to the junction and the police patrol sighted him. Basically, they challenged him and he was arrested."

McGeoch was jailed for life at the High Court in Inverness in April 1999 for murdering Eric Innes, 61. He was sentenced to a minimum of 13 years.

A spokesman for Reliance welcomed the news that McGeoch had been recaptured and added: "We are continuing to cooperate fully with Tayside Police and the Scottish Prison Service in investigating the circumstance of this escape."

(BMcC)

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