James Fitzpatrick, 36, was reported missing on Tuesday, December 30, after failing to return to prison from an approved visit
A prisoner has sparked a massive manhunt after failing to return to jail following an authorised visit.
Cops are currently undertaking “extensive” searches for James Fitzpatrick, 36, after he was reported missing on Tuesday, December 30, with police warning members of the public not to approach him.
Fitzpatrick was last seen in Irvine town centre, Scotland, at approximately 11.20am yesterday. He is thought to have got on a bus travelling towards Ardrossan.
Officers are conducting “extensive enquiries” in an attempt to locate the absconded prisoner, who has links to Ayrshire, the Daily Record reports. Fitzpatrick was imprisoned in HMP Castle Huntly but failed to return to his cell after leaving on an authorised visit He is described as white, approximately 5ft 8in in height, of stocky build and with short brown hair.
He was last seen dressed in a black Nike tracksuit featuring white stripes along the arms and legs and was carrying a yellow JD Sports bag and a black holdall.
Officers are now requesting information to help locate Fitzpatrick’s whereabouts.
A spokesperson for Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland is appealing for any information that could help to trace James Fitzpatrick. He was reported missing to police on Tuesday, 30 December, 2025, after failing to return to HMP Castle Huntly, from an approved visit.
“James, 36, has connections in the Ayrshire area. Extensive enquiries and searches are ongoing to trace him. He is described as being white, around 5ft 8in tall, of stocky build, with short brown hair.
“When last seen he was wearing a black Nike tracksuit with white stripes down the arms and legs and had a yellow JD Sports carrier bag and a black holdall bag. He was last seen in Irvine town centre around 11.20am on Monday, 29 December and may have boarded a bus heading to Ardrossan.
“Members of the public are advised not to approach him if they see him, but to contact police. Anyone with any information is asked to contact 999, quoting reference 2717 of Monday, December 29. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”
