A murderer who has been on the run from prison for six weeks has been found in Birmingham.
James Casey was traced in England’s second largest city following a six week nationwide manhunt.
The 50-year-old absconded from HMP Castle Huntly in Angus while on unescorted day release visit to Inverness on Thursday, December 10.
He was was convicted of battering father-of-two Ian MacBeth to death during a botched robbery in Invergordon in September, 1990.
A community leader in the Highland town last night said it was a “relief” that Casey was back behind bars.
Police last night declined to say what had led their search to Birmingham but confirmed that Casey would be returned to prison.
Invergordon councillor Maxine Smith said: “It is certainly a relief for the local community and for the family of the victim that he has been caught and will now be safely back behind bars.”
Casey was previously released after serving 11 years of his life sentence in October 2002 – but within weeks he robbed a post office in West Lothian and was jailed for another 14 years.
He had been convicted at the High Court in Inverness of murdering Mr MacBeth who was the manager of Invergordon Social and Recreational Club.
The 37-year-old was struck at least eight times on the head with a hammer before being taken by car to a remote woodland before being beaten again and left to die.
Casey, who was then aged 26, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, which was reduced to 11 on appeal.
Co-accused George McNairn, then aged 23, was cleared of murder, but was found guilty of robbery and sentenced to 18 months.
At the initial trial both men accused each other of having committed the murder while the other stood guard.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland can confirm that 50-year-old prisoner James Casey who failed to return to HMP Castle Huntly by Dundee following a period of day release, has been traced by officers in the Birmingham area.
“Thank you to everyone for their assistance in this matter.”