Huge manhunt in North for escaped paedophile

A HUGE search was underway in the North last night for an on-the-run paedophile who police have described as a “serious threat” to children.

Paul Hunter Redpath, aged 35, went missing from approved accommodation on Thursday night, just three months after he was given a three-year sentence for indecent assault and unlawful carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl.

Originally from Scotland, Redpath is described as 6ft 2in tall, of slim build with blue eyes and a fair complexion.

He was convicted of the sex attack in March of last year but, because of the North’s 50% remission policy, would have been due for release shortly.

Redpath was also given a three-year probation term and ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register for life.

“Redpath is a convicted sex offender who is known to abuse alcohol and is considered to pose a serious risk to vulnerable children and young people,” said a PSNI spokesman.

“The PSNI are asking him to surrender himself to police and they are warning the public that they should not attempt to approach Redpath, but should contact local police.”

A former chef, Redpath speaks with a strong Scottish accent and police have urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact them.

He pleaded guilty to unlawful carnal knowledge with the girl in June. The court was told that the girl’s father had come across Redpath lying with his teenage daughter on waste ground.