On-the-run paedophile stayed at Simon hostel

A DANGEROUS paedophile who is on the run from the North stayed at the Cork Simon hostel, a senior garda confirmed last night.

Paul Hunter Redpath, a 35-year-old chef who is originally from Scotland, pleaded guilty last June to sex offences against two young girls in the North in March 2005.

He was jailed for indecent assault and unlawful carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl, and then given a three-year term of probation. However, last month he broke his probation conditions when he failed to return to approved accommodation.

A senior garda spokesman said they have evidence that Redpath stayed at the Cork Simon Community hostel on September 26 and gave his own details when signing in.

However, the spokesman said they have an unconfirmed sighting of him on October 4, when a female taxi driver said she picked up a man who fitted Redpath’s description. It is understood she drove him from Douglas Road to Patrick Street.

There have been no sightings of him in the Cork area since, although gardaí are anxious to hear immediately from anybody who comes across him.

“The PSNI has warned the public that he shouldn’t be approached and therefore we are offering the same advice,” the spokesman said.

A PSNI spokesman said that Redpath “posed a serious risk to vulnerable children and young people” and was known to abuse alcohol.

Gardaí are also investigating reports that the Scot may have tried to book into a hostel in the Wexford area earlier this month.

Redpath is described as 6’ 2’’ tall and of thin build. He has blue eyes, a fair complexion and speaks with a noticeable Scottish accent.