North sex offender located in the Republic

Police in Northern Ireland are under pressure today to seek the extradition of a convicted paedophile living in the Republic.

Police in Northern Ireland are under pressure today to seek the extradition of a convicted paedophile living in the Republic.

Paul Hunter Redpath (35) sparked a massive manhunt after he breached his probation conditions last month by failing to return to his accommodation.

He had pleaded guilty at Downpatrick Crown Court in Co Down 18 months earlier to sex offences against two young girls.

The former chef, originally from Stranraer in Scotland, was given a three-year jail sentence and similar probation for indecent assault and unlawful carnal knowledge of a 13-year-old girl.

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But the search by authorities on both sides of the Border ended last night when the PSNI confirmed Redpath had turned up in the Republic.

Redpath, classified as a high-risk offender, has now registered with the Garda and is subject to sex offender requirements the Republic's jurisdiction.

But with no details of his exact location, Democratic Unionist MLA Ian Paisley jnr said: "I am very alarmed that a man who has engaged in such very serious crimes is at large in the Republic of Ireland.

"Irrespective of their regime, it is known that he is wanted in Northern Ireland and should be returned urgently."

The PSNI was unable to confirm today whether any extradition would be sought.