Public warned about child sex offender's release

The public is being warned by police about the release of a convicted child sex offender who is considered a high risk to re-offend.

William Rupert Astle, 77,will be released from Headingley Correctional Centre on Saturday andis expected to live in Winnipeg.

He has a history of sexual offences in relation to children as well as many other criminal offences, stated a news release from the Manitoba Integrated High Risk Sex Offender Unit (MIHRSOU), a joint forces unit of the Winnipeg Police Service and RCMP.

Although heparticipated in some treatment programs while in prison, he is still considered a high risk to re-offend.

Female children are most at risk of sexual exploitation, according to the MIHRSOU.

Upon release, Astle will be under the terms of a probation order.

"This information is provided to enable members of the public to take suitable measures to protect themselves. Any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct directed at William Rupert Astle will not be tolerated," stated the release from the MIHRSOU.

Anyone with information aboutAstle, who wishes to speak to a police officer, is asked to call the MIHRSOU at 204-984-1888.