Robert Kevin McCullough: Police manhunt underway for after using ‘deceit and trickery’ to escape court custody

Police are hunting a man with an “extensive criminal history” after he allegedly used “deceit and trickery” to escape from court custody on Friday.

Robert Kevin McCullough, 39, has been on the run since 4.45pm on Friday after he managed to escape custody at the Central Law Courts in the Perth CBD.

He is described as 175cm tall, of a stocky, medium build, with blue eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion.

Detective Superintendent Kellie Taylor of the offender management division told reporters on Saturday Mr McCullough had faced court over “serious sexual offences” before being remanded in custody when he escaped.

“We’re still exploring the circumstances of how Mr McCullough left the Perth Central Law Courts. It’s not believed that any level of violence was used in his escape and has more to do, we believe, with deceit and trickery,” Supt Taylor said.

She said Mr McCullough was last seen in the vicinity of the Stirling Gardens, wearing a dark t-shirt and long dark pants.

“Mr McCullough has an extensive criminal history of a variety of different offences,” she said.

“We don’t believe that he will be violent towards any person, but he’s already shown or demonstrated a willingness to not be in custody, and anyone that is on the run from police are unpredictable.”

Supt Taylor said the 39-year-old is known to frequent many parts of the metro area, and police are already getting in touch with his known associates in a bid to track him down.

“We know that Mr McCullough is able to be very deceptive, and we can assume that he might try and use those those skills to avoid capture,” she said.

“He’s got a history in his convictions of being very deceitful . . . he has fraud offences, stealing offences, and other kinds of convictions for various offences, so he’s adept at trickery.”

Despite this, the superintendent believed WA Police would soon have him back in custody.

“WA Police are really good at capturing people, and we anticipate having him in custody very soon,” she said.

Members of the public should not approach Mr McCullough if sighted and should call police immediately on 131 444.

Anyone with information relating to his whereabouts or his recent movements should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestopperswa.com.au.