Violent child rapist caught after urgent manhunt as he escaped psychiatric clinic
Cliff Lyons Dobbie was convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl in Glasgow while on bail for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1990
A convicted child rapist has been caught by police after he absconded a secure psychiatric clinic during a staff escorted outing.
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Cliff Lyons Dobbie, a restricted patient, went missing on Thursday.
The 54-year-old managed to slip away from carers at the Rohallion Secure Care Clinic in Perth on Thursday afternoon.
Dobbie was convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl in Glasgow while on bail for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1990.
He has been held in high-security units, including The State Hospital in Carstairs, since then.
Police Scotland said: "We are pleased to confirm Cliff Lyons Dobbie has been traced.
"Thanks to everyone who shared our appeal."
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Lyons previously tried to abscond after being transferred to Lennox Castle Hospital in Glasgow, before being returned to Carstairs.
In 2007, restrictions were tightened after he was caught abusing a vulnerable male patient inside the high-security facility.
He has now spent more than 35 years in secure institutions.
Dobbie was also seen wearing a black cap, thick black-rimmed glasses, a black backpack and a black puffer jacket when he absconded.
Dobbie has distinctive tattoos on both arms, including two blue tiger-like eyes on his right arm and a blue-and-red Rangers tattoo on his left arm.
He is also said to speak with a strong Glaswegian accent.
Inspector Kris McCall, Police Scotland, said: “We want to trace Cliff, who also uses the names Clifford Lyons or Dobbie, as quickly as possible.
"I’d be interested to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to him since Thursday, August 6, 2026.
"He has links to Glasgow and the surrounding areas. The public should not approach him but should report any sighting to Police Scotland.
“Those with information should contact police immediately on 101 or 999, or speak to any officer.
"Please use incident number 1696 of August 6, 2026.”