Gardaí have today arrested a paedophile in Co Cavan after he went missing in the United Kingdom.
William Paden, who police warned posed a significant risk, was detained in Co Cavan. He was arrested in the town of Ballyhaise at about 4pm before being taken to Cavan town Garda station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
It is believed gardaí intend to bring him before a court tomorrow.
Paden (56), with a registered address in Blackpool, Lancashire, was being held on suspicion of failing to notify Irish authorities he had entered the country.
He had been wanted for recall to prison after leaving his home in the last week. Detectives believe he may have travelled to Northern Ireland first before entering the Republic.
Paden has 19 sexual convictions dating back to 1974, including rape, indecently assaulting a girl, assault with intent to rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. He is banned from associating with children unless they are accompanied by an adult aged 21 and upwards.
British police described Paden as a registered sex offender with a long history of convictions against children going back more than 30 years.
Additional reporting PA