Violent child rapist on the run after escaping escort in Perth
Police in Scotland have launched a major search for Cliff Lyons Dobbie, a convicted violent child rapist who escaped his escort in Perth city center. Authorities have warned the public not to approach him and to report sightings immediately.
Why it matters
The escape of a high-risk offender poses an immediate public safety concern and raises questions regarding the security protocols for restricted patients on community leave.
Cliff Lyons Dobbie, who is a restricted patient, absconded in Perth city centre while on community leave
Facebook X / Twitter Copy Link Posted in Crime Perth and Kinross Police Scotland Last updated Aug 7th, 2026 at 16:04 A major search operation has been launched after a violent child rapist escaped his escort on Friday .
Cliff Lyons Dobbie, who is a restricted patient, absconded in Perth city centre while on community leave.
He was convicted of raping a ten-year-old girl in Glasgow while on bail for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1990.
Dobbie has been housed in secure units, including State Hospital Carstairs, ever since.
The on-the-run sex offender is described as a white male, approximately 5ft 3in tall, of stocky and muscular build.
Dobbie is bald, has blue eyes, and a noticeable squint, which is more apparent when he is not wearing his glasses.
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