WINNIPEG, MB – A convicted sex offender who police say is a high risk to re-offend in a sexual manner against young females was released yesterday and is expected to live in Winnipeg.
William Rupert Astle, 82 years of age was released after serving a four year sentence for indecent exposure to a person under 16 years of age, and failure to comply with a probation order.
According to Winnipeg Police, Astle participated in some sexual offender treatment while in prison however, police stated in a news release that he is still considered at high risk to re-offend in a sexual manner. Young females are at risk.
Astle was previously convicted for sexual interference over a ten year period (1990 – 2000) involving a female child known to him. In 2005, Astle was involved in three offences involving his masturbating in public in the presence of adolescent females. One offence took place in a residential area, while the other two took place near the entrance to a shopping mall, and in a commercial establishment. In 2006 he was sentenced, on all four of these offences, to 12 months in jail.
Police say, Astle will be to subject to bail conditions and two lifetime Prohibition orders, which prohibit his attendance at a public park or public swimming area where persons under 16 years of age are present or can reasonably be expected to be present, or at a day care centre, school ground, playground or community centre.
Police are reminding people that any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct directed at Astle will not be tolerated.
However, if you have information about Astle, please call police at (204) 986-6222, your local RCMP Detachment, or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.
David Marshal, Manitoba Post
Photo provided by Winnipeg Police