A dangerous killer who went on the run after being allowed out of prison for Christmas has been traced.

Simon Brown, 45, was reported missing after he failed to turn up at HMP Castle Huntly on Tuesday, December 29.

On Sunday Police Scotland reported that Brown, who was three years into his sentence for killing a "vulnerable and defenceless" man, had been found in England. The force thanked the public for their help in the matter.

Police had appealed for information on the prisoner after he went missing but warned the public he was dangerous and should not be approached. He had been allowed out for home leave over Christmas.

Brown and Paul Banks, 48, were both jailed for eight years in 2012 after they admitted killing John Carter by dragging him out of an Edinburgh flat and attacking him.

They were originally charged with murdering Mr Carter in February 2011, but admitted a reduced charged of culpable homicide.

Brown and Banks pleaded guilty to killing Mr Carter by placing handcuffs on his wrists, attacking him, placing him in a lift and failing to seek medical attention. They also robbed their victim of his wallet and its contents.

Temporary judge Michael O'Grady QC told the pair: "Between you, you inflicted a deliberate death on a vulnerable and defenceless man. You behaved with extreme cruelty and utter indifference."