Updated: Man who escaped from grounds of Hamilton mental-health hospital found

The Hamilton Police Service found a man who escaped from a Hamilton Hospital psychiatric ward Saturday.

Police say in a news release that 61-year-old Thomas Hart, who was an involuntary patient," in the hospital's forensic psychiatry ward was located late Sunday night. Police said he was reported missing by hospital staff around 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

The unit specifically handles issues where the law and psychiatry intersect, including assessments about whether a person is fit to stand trial, criminal responsibility and risk assessments.

Police did not say why Hart was in the unit, nor where he was located Sunday.

Hart is described by police as a white male, about five-foot nine-inches tall and weighing around 198 pounds. He has blue eyes, long grey hair and a beard. Police issued a photo of Hart with the news release which shows him with short blond hair and a salt-and-pepper stubble goatee.

He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie, a grey polo shirt with purple and red stripes, black pants and black shoes.

Police are asking anyone who sees Hart to call them at 905-546-4925 or 905-546-4930. An anonymous tip can be made through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com

Grant LaFleche is an investigative reporter with The Spectator. Reach him via email: glafleche@torstar.ca