Police were last night hunting a convicted murderer amid fears he may have returned to the community where he bludgeoned a man to death.
James Casey was given a life sentence for battering father-of-two Ian MacBeth with a hammer and leaving him to die in a wood in 1990.
Casey was 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 14 years.
The 50-year-old failed to return to Castle Huntly Prison in Angus after being let out on day release.
Police confirmed he could be travelling to the Inverness area – and warned the public not to approach him.
Councillor Maxine Smith, who lives in Invergordon, said: “I am stunned by this.
“Obviously this goes back a long way and we all remember what happened with Ian MacBeth.
“He was found in the woods about 800 yards from the back of my house at the time.
“It had a massive impact on the community. Everyone was so shocked because things like that did not happen.
“I would be really concerned that he is heading to Invergordon and urge people to be on their guard and definitely not approach him.”
Casey was convicted at the High Court in Inverness of murdering Mr MacBeth, 37, who was manager of Invergordon Social and Recreational Club.
The family man was struck at least eight times on the head with a hammer during the attack, before being taken in a car to a remote wood and given another beating and then being left with a broken neck to die alone.
Casey, then aged 26, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, reduced to 11 on appeal.
Co-accused George McNairn, then aged 23, was cleared of murder, but found guilty of robbery and sentenced to 18 months.
The men had been watching Mr MacBeth for three nights and hoped to snatch his night safe money bag, containing takings of £1,260.
In 2009, the Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission referred Casey’s case to the High Court after new DNA evidence was produced which he claimed showed that his accomplice was responsible for the attack.
However, the appeal was dismissed.
A police spokesman said: ‘It is understood he may have travelled to the Inverness area.
‘If seen, members of the public should not approach him and should contact the police.”
Casey is 5ft 8in, with receding hair and brown eyes.
When last seen he was wearing a blue coat, black hooded top, blue jeans and brown walking boots.
He was reported missing around 9pm on Thursday.
Cromarty Firth councillor Martin Rattray, who lives in Invergordon and remembers the horrific case, said: “The police are on top of this and have known about it since early today. It is a police matter and they are doing what they think is appropriate.
“Obviously I am concerned but I also do not want to alarm local people either.”
Police have urged anyone with information on Casey’s whereabouts to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.