Con on the run from jail
Killer disappeared on work placement
A convicted Hamilton killer is on the run this week after going missing from a prison work placement.
Barlinnie prisoner Walter Bett was jailed for a brutal attempted murder which left his victim needing around the clock care following a sickening hour-long attack.
The public are being advised not to approach Bett, who was also jailed in 1996 for culpable homicide and described by a judge as being prone to “explosions of rage”, after he absconded from a work placement in Glasgow on Tuesday, October 31.
The 39-year-old was last seen just before 8.30am near Crow Wood Golf course in Muirhead.
He is described as 5ft 8ins with a stocky build, short receding brown hair and brown eyes.
Bett has been behind bars since he repeatedly knifed Alex Poole in 2007, battering his body and stamping on his head until he was unconscious.
The victim was in the home of two friends in Hamilton when the attack took place.
The High Court in Glasgow heard at the time how he left the 50-year- old dad for dead and slashed him across the throat, saying: “You’re dead now.”
The court heard Bett had told friends that his victim had made remarks about his brother.
Mr Poole’s life was saved when police arrived and he was rushed to hospital, but he was left braindamaged and reliant on 24-hour help.
Bett, then 29, was jailed in 2008 after he admitted a charge of attempted murder and given a lifelong restriction order.
Police Scotland appealed to anyone with information on Bett’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.
He was wearing a black padded jacket, striped navy top and blue jeans with black Nike trainers with red laces and sole when he was last seen.
Bett was grey baseball rucksack.
A police spokeswoman said: “Police are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Walter Bett, who absconded on Tuesday whilst on an external work placement from HMP Barlinnie.
“He was last seen at approximately 8.25am in the vicinity of Crow Wood Golf course.
“Officers are advising members of the public not to approach Mr Bett if they see him but to contact police.”
Anyone with information should contact Cumbernauld Police Station via 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. also wearing cap and carrying a a