PAUL REDPATH AND HIS SHOCKING SEX OFFENDER ACTS IN CUMBRIA AND SCOTLAND
A notable child sex offender, Paul Redpath, who had been on the run from authorities in Cumbria, appeared before a court in Carlisle following a significant period of absconding that drew public attention and an appeal on the BBC’s Crimewatch programme.Redpath, aged 51, appeared via video link at Rickergate Crown Court in Carlisle after admitting to multiple offences.
The court was informed that the defendant historically had convictions related to the sexual abuse of two teenage girls.
His recent breach involved leaving the county of Cumbria without obtaining permission from his offender management team, thereby violating a sexual harm prevention order that was imposed upon him.
In addition to the breach of the order, Redpath admitted to failing to complete his annual Sex Offender Notification Form, a requirement mandated by law for registered sex offenders.
His disappearance initially prompted a police-demanded urgent appeal which publicized that he was last spotted in the Kendal area, but authorities also noted his connections to west Cumbria, Preston, and parts of Scotland.
Redpath is described as being notably tall, standing at 6 feet 4 inches, with a distinctive grey beard that makes him easily identifiable.
The police and prosecution outlined the gravity of his ongoing non-compliance, emphasizing that since 2019, he had been at large, failing to adhere to community monitoring protocols.
Prosecutor George Shelley commented, “Essentially, since a date in 2019, Mr Redpath has been at large in respect of his monitoring and management of his risk in the community.
It’s a persistent breach which had gone on for two years plus.” The magistrates considered the nature of these offences and the seriousness of his non-compliance.
They were advised that the starting point for sentencing should be prison for one year, reflecting the gravity of his breaches and past offending history.
Recognizing that magistrates do not have the authority to impose the full custodial sentence, they agreed to transfer the case to Carlisle Crown Court for a more comprehensive hearing scheduled for November 4.
Further details revealed that Redpath had been in custody but was due for release from prison on October 11.
His criminal history is extensive, with a record of 63 previous offences.
His last conviction prior to this incident was in 2018, for breaching his sexual harm prevention order.
His legal representative, Anthony Wilson, indicated that Redpath chose not to seek bail before his upcoming sentencing.
The defendant’s history of escape has been well documented; he was notably featured on BBC Crimewatch in September 2018 as one of seven individuals wanted by police in Cumbria.
During that broadcast, Redpath, who was then incarcerated in Lewes Prison in East Sussex, expressed his desire to return to Carlisle to face sentencing in person, citing frustration over the conditions in jail where he was confined for 23 hours a day.
Redpath is originally from Stranraer and has a history of going missing, which has previously triggered public appeals and law enforcement investigations.
In 2009, The Belfast Telegraph described him as a ‘dangerous sex offender,’ highlighting the risk he posed to the community.
At that time, he had escaped from a probation hostel, leading to a manhunt.
His criminal record includes a 2006 conviction where he received a three-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to sexually abusing teenage girls aged 13 and 15 on waste ground along Killough Road in Downpatrick.
The Belfast Telegraph reported that police had not specified how long he had been missing at that time but warned the public to be cautious, emphasizing his known issues with alcohol and his status as a serious threat to vulnerable children and young people.
The case continues as authorities seek to ensure public safety and enforce compliance with legal restrictions surrounding Redpath’s conduct and monitoring.
