COPS are hunting a runaway rapist who failed to turn up for the last day of his trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
Omed Hassan, 26, was found guilty of raping a student in St Andrews on Thursday after the presiding judge ruled it was in the interests of justice to continue proceedings without him.
Hassan, from Perth, had denied the charge but failed to show up as the jury deliberated.
He was convicted on Thursday and Lord Ericht issued a warrant for his arrest.
The 26-year-old, who had been on bail since February 2024, has been placed on the sex offender’s register.
Sentencing has been deferred pending a background report.
Police are now working to trace him.
The force says he is known to frequent Perth, Aberdeen and Fife.
He is described as around 6ft tall with short, black hair.
Members of the public are being urged not to approach Hassan.
Inspector Robb said: “I would urge this man to get in contact with the police and if anyone has seen him since Thursday, 13 March, or has any information on his whereabouts, please contact us.
“Extensive enquiries and searches are ongoing throughout the areas Omed is known to frequent. Members of the public are urged not to approach him but should contact Police Scotland through 101 quoting incident number 0943 of 13 March.”
