A 39-year-old man with an extensive criminal history is being hunted by police after he escaped from custody on Friday afternoon.
Police say Robert Kevin McCullough had appeared in the Perth Central Law Courts on “serious sexual offences” on Friday morning.
He was remanded in custody but escaped at around 4.45pm.
Detective Superintendent Kellie Taylor says police are still investigating how Mr McCullough escaped, but it’s not believed violence was used.
“It has more to do, we believe, with deceit and trickery,” she said.
WA Police Detective Superintendent Kellie Taylor. (ABC News)
“Mr McCullough has an extensive history of a variety of different offences.
“We don’t believe he will be violent towards any person, but he has already demonstrated a willingness to not be in custody and anyone that is on the run is unpredictable.”
Detective Superintendent Taylor said police were visiting known associates of Mr McCullough across Perth.
“Assisting someone who has escaped legal custody is a criminal offence, so anyone that is considering assisting McCullough should think again,” she said.
“Specialist units are involved, all being coordinated from our state command centre, and we anticipate [having] him in custody soon.”
Mr McCullough is described as being 175cm tall and of medium build with blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.
An image released by police of Robert Kevin McCullough near court. (Supplied: WA Police)
He was last seen wearing a dark T-shirt and long dark pants.
If sighted, members of the public should not approach him and call police immediately on 131 444.
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