Positive sightings have been reported in a nationwide search for a murderer and rapist who disappeared after being granted bail to appeal against his conviction.

Richard Crawford, 41, was jailed for life two years ago for the rape and murder of an elderly woman in Paisley near Glasgow in 1987.

He was released on bail pending an appeal against his conviction, but disappeared before the case came to court.

The Scottish Executive said the case did not undermine the rules on bail, but the Scottish Tories said Crawford should never have been released and the law needs to be changed.

He has an extensive network of associates and we will do what we have to do to get this guy back in custody

Det Chief Insp McQuaid

Police forces in Scotland and England are liaising in their efforts to trace Crawford, who police believe may have fled to Brighton.

The Crown Office has taken the highly unusual step of issuing a photograph of Crawford, who has several tattoos on each arm, is about 5ft 10in tall, with brown hair and deep-set eyes.

He was granted bail last December after appealing against his conviction and arrived at court for a hearing on 12 July.

However, he vanished before the case was called and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Detective Chief Inspector Donny McQuade, of Strathclyde Police, said that police had cast the net wide in their search.

'Heighten awareness'

"He has been on bail and his appeal has failed at the High Court and they have issued a warrant - he is a convicted person.

"We are anxious to get him returned to prison."

Mr McQuade said police had received information that Crawford had fled Paisley and moved to Brighton.

He said: "There are a number of positive firm sightings.

"I am pleased to say that there are number of positive firm sightings since the media interest today.

"He has an extensive network of associates and we will do what we have to do to get this guy back in custody."

DCI McQuade: Firm sightings

Gerry Brown, of the Law Society for Scotland, said: "Up until the Human Rights Act in Scotland very seldom was bail granted in murder cases.

"But now that is granted regularly."

Scottish Tory justice spokesman, Lord James Douglas-Hamilton, said his party would seek to amend the Criminal Justice Bill currently before the Scottish Parliament to prevent those convicted of serious offences from being bailed.

He said: "I am frankly appalled that people convicted of serious crimes such as rape and murder are being granted bail so lightly.

"The public quite rightly expects the state to protect it from potentially dangerous criminals.

The Scottish Executive said the law as it stood provided sufficient safeguards to protect the public.

How these powers were used was down to the discretion of the individual courts handling cases.