'Deceit and trickery': Alleged escapee back in custody after urgent manhunt

New details have emerged about how an accused fugitive allegedly escaped custody for more than 24 hours in Perth.

Robert Kevin McCullough allegedly used a false name to walk out of court but is back behind bars after handing himself in.

He represented himself in court today, accused of tricking staff by using someone else's name.

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Police said the 39-year-old appeared in Perth's Central Law courts on Friday charged with serious sex offences but vanished from custody.

He was on the run for more than 24 hours before handing himself in to Perth police station about 8.45pm yesterday.

Now back behind bars, McCullough is charged with escaping from lawful custody and stealing.

The Department of Justice is examining how the alleged escape happened.

"Deception using somebody else's name to to be able to escape custody," WA Attorney-General Tony Buti said.

"It is not right, obviously something went wrong and as I say I am incredibly concerned about it.

"Thankfully he's back in custody and we'll have a full investigation."

At this stage no court staff have been stood down. McCullough was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

CCTV of him allegedly fleeing through the Perth CBD about 4.45pm on Friday was released.

"We're still exploring the circumstances of how Mr McCullough left the Perth Central Law Courts," Detective Superintendent Kellie Taylor said.

"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."

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