Man who raped teenage girl in Edinburgh city centre found by police after escaping custody
A prisoner who escaped from custody at a court building has been found nearby, police have said.
Aaron Strachan was at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday for a sentencing hearing, having earlier been convicted of the rape of a teenage girl.
He attacked the 15-year-old victim on May 25, 2025, in central Edinburgh – with police describing the incident as “particularly harrowing”.
Strachan pleaded guilty to the offence at a court hearing last month.
On Tuesday, he reportedly fled from guards at the city’s High Court and was last seen racing along the Royal Mile.
Police Scotland have now said he was traced nearby.
A spokeswoman said: “Around 11.15am on Tuesday, January 13, we were made aware of a man escaping from custody at the High Court in Edinburgh.
“Officers attended and the 21-year-old man was traced nearby.”
Strachan was in the custody of GEOAmey guards at the time of the escape.
A GEOAmey spokesman said: “Whilst being moved to a waiting vehicle, an individual was able to evade custody. However, they were re-apprehended with support from Police Scotland.
“An investigation into the circumstances is already under way.”