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Police ask public to help find a convicted sex offender

Richard Patterson was released from jail on Saturday but didn't report to a probation officer. Now there is a warrant for his arrest.

Richard Patterson is 'a registered sex offender with a history of assaulting children,' police say

Police are asking for the public's help to find a convicted sex offender who hasn't reported to his probation office.

Hamilton Police say Richard Allen Patterson, 48, was released from Maplehurst detention centre in Milton on Saturday. He had served a sentence for breaching probation.

Patterson was supposed to report to a probation office in two days, police say. But he didn't, and police have issued a warrant for his arrest.

Police say Patterson is "a registered sex offender with a history of assaulting children."

He has prior convictions for sexual assault, sexual interference, assault causing body harm and failing to comply with court-ordered conditions, Hamilton Police said in a statement.

Patterson has no fixed address, police say, but has lived in Hamilton, Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo.

Anyone who sees Patterson should call 905-546-4925 or 911.

Anyone with information should call 905-546-3136 or 905-546-4772.

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