British police today warned a missing child sex offender poses a “significant risk of harm” and may have travelled to Northern Ireland.
William Paden (56) is wanted for recall to prison after he left his registered address in Blackpool, Lancashire.
He has 19 sexual convictions dating back to 1974, including rape, indecently assaulting a girl, assault with intent to rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
Paden is banned from associating with children unless they are unaccompanied by an adult 21 and upwards.
Det Supt Ian Critchley, head of Lancashire Constabulary’s Public Protection Unit, said: “William Paden is a registered sex offender with a long history of convictions against children going back more than 30 years.
“I believe he poses a significant risk of harm and I would appeal to anyone who knows where he may be to get in touch with us.
“Sex offenders are managed in the community by police and partners which aims to prevent them committing further offences, but if they do not comply with the obligations of their licence or Sex Offender Prevention Order, then we will take robust and positive action to locate them, as we will in this case.”
Anyone who has information about Paden should contact Lancashire Police on 08451 253545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
PA