Killer's ex-girlfriend arrested

Detectives do not believe McCormick has gone far

A 16-year-old girl has been arrested by police searching for escaped killer James McCormick.

She is reported to be his former girlfriend, Laura Reid.

McCormick, 17, freed in error by the private security firm, Reliance Custodial Services, from Hamilton Sheriff Court over a week ago.

Dozens of police officers are involved in the search for McCormick, who was found guilty of stabbing Glasgow teenager Thomas Loughrey to death.

Police have been trying to trace McCormick, who is believed to have switched papers with another prisoner, for nine days.

The teenager has been described as potentially dangerous and the public have been warned not to approach him.

Justice minister Cathy Jamieson held talks with prison chief Tony Cameron about the private security firm which mistakenly allowed McCormick to walk free from court on Saturday.

Ms Jamieson met the head of the Scottish Prison Service to find out whether Reliance Custodial Services has taken action to prevent any further blunders.

Public apology

The SPS has responsibility for monitoring the contract with Reliance.

Prior to the meeting, the minister said changes had been made, but that more work was needed.

Reliance has revamped procedures, including identity checks, since McCormick's escape on 8 April, only days after it took over the transport of offenders in the west of Scotland.

The teenager was sentenced to life after being found guilty of stabbing 17-year-old Thomas Loughrey in the Pollokshaws area of Glasgow on 27 July, 2003.

The managing director of the security firm, Tom Riall, apologised for the error and said it had revamped its procedures.

The roll-out of a new prisoner transport procedure was put on probation by the justice minister on Monday, while opposition parties accused Ms Jamieson of gambling with public safety by letting the Reliance contract continue.