WA Police are urgently seeking the whereabouts of 39-year-old man, Robert Kevin McCullough, who escaped custody from the Perth CBD, about 4.45pm on Friday 22 August 2025.~|~|KpYLJv8y5V
An investigation has been launched into how Robert Kevin McCullough, a 39-year-old accused child sex offender, allegedly escaped custody using a false name, spending over 24 hours on the run. McCullough was apprehended by police on Saturday night after his escape from the Central Law Courts in Perth on Friday afternoon.
The Department of Justice has initiated a probe into the events leading up to the alleged courthouse escape. A spokeswoman for the department stated, “The circumstances surrounding Friday’s incident are being fully investigated by the Department of Justice, including whether the contracted security provider followed all required processes and procedures.” She added that there was “nothing to indicate there was any delay in police being notified.”
Details of the Escape
Attorney-General Tony Buti addressed the media on Sunday, expressing uncertainty about whether court staff challenged McCullough when he allegedly provided a fake name to facilitate his escape. McCullough appeared in Northbridge Magistrates Court on Sunday, where he claimed in a rambling statement that he was given “bail papers” before his alleged getaway.
Magistrate Tanya Watt confronted McCullough, stating, “You were pretending to be someone else on Friday before you managed to get out. Is that refreshing your mind?” McCullough, representing himself, responded, “I don’t even know what I’m doing,” when questioned about how he intended to proceed with new charges of stealing and escaping lawful custody. Magistrate Watt remanded him in custody, scheduling his next court appearance for September 19.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigation
The Attorney-General expressed grave concern over the incident, noting that McCullough allegedly used “someone else’s name to be able to escape custody,” which he described as “very concerning.” He assured the public, “Thankfully, he is back in custody, and we will have a full investigation and make changes if needed.”
When asked if any staff members had been suspended due to the incident, Buti remarked, “It only happened on Friday. It is the weekend; my main concern is to find out exactly what happened and make changes if they need to be made.”
Police reported that McCullough was arrested at 8:45 p.m. on Saturday after he voluntarily appeared at the Perth police station. Detective Superintendent Kellie Taylor, from the offender management division, stated that McCullough initially faced court on Friday over “serious sexual offences” before being remanded in custody and subsequently escaping.
“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.
Background and Charges
Court documents reveal that McCullough is facing nine child sex offences, including four counts of indecent dealing with a child aged between 13 and under 16, and two counts of sexually penetrating a child over the age of 13 and under 16. The child sex offences were not read out during his court appearance on Sunday. CCTV footage allegedly captured McCullough fleeing through Stirling Gardens and Elizabeth Quay following his escape.
Implications and Next Steps
This incident underscores significant concerns about security protocols at the Central Law Courts and the procedures followed by contracted security providers. The ongoing investigation will likely focus on identifying potential lapses in protocol and ensuring that such an escape cannot occur in the future.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of managing high-risk offenders within the justice system, sparking discussions about the need for enhanced security measures and improved training for court staff. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to implement necessary changes to prevent similar incidents.
McCullough’s next court appearance is set for September 19, where he will face charges related to his escape and the original child sex offences. The outcome of the investigation and subsequent court proceedings will be closely monitored by the public and legal experts alike.
