A MAN from the North-East has appeared in court in Scotland, accused of assisting a prison absconder.

Police Scotland have confirmed that the 51-year-old, from the Newcastle area, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court, on Monday (November 23), in connection with assisting William Carlin.

The 52-year-old serial robber failed to return to HMP Castle Huntly, in Angus, Scotland, on November 5.

He failed to return to the prison after a temporary release and was last seen near a hospital in Dundee, at about 9am that day.

The North-East defendant, who has not been named, was remanded in custody and will appear in court at a later date.

Detective Sergeant Keith Duncan, of Police Scotland, said: “Members of the public should be aware that the police will take robust action against any person who is, or has been assisting William Carlin, in his attempts to evade prison."

Anyone with details of his whereabouts is asked to ring Police Scotland, on 101, or anonymously to Crimestoppers, on (0800) 555111.