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Kelowna  

Convicted pedophile out

One of the most notorious pedophiles in Kelowna's history, with a decades-long rap sheet of abusing young boys and girls, was released today to live in a halfway house under strict conditions.

But in which community he will reside is unknown.

Shaun Joshua Deacon, 50, is recognized as one of Canada's most notorious child molesters. Deacon used to call Kelowna home and was released into the community in 2005, but eventually left following a public outcry and moved to Vancouver.

In 2013, he was found to be in breach of his conditions and returned to jail.

Deacon was released today on a statutory release to move into a community-based residential facility.

The name of the community has not been released. Police do have the option to issue a "pervert alert" if they feel he is a risk to the public, but as it stands no jurisdiction has released any information regarding Deacon's new community.

Deacon has been released on strict conditions, including no contact with anyone under 16, no attendance in places where children under 16 are likely to be, no indirect or direct contact with any of his victims, to reside at the residential facility chosen for him and nowhere else, no access to the Internet in any form, no possession of images of children under 16, a condition to follow a specific treatment plan and program and to immediately report all intimate relationships.

In the release conditions set out by the Parole Board, Deacon's lengthy history of abuse and deception with legal authorities were factors. He has reportedly breached parole conditions more than 15 times. 

Authorities believe Deacon presents as a high risk for future sexual offences.

They note Deacon has a pattern of befriending parents, especially mothers, to gain access to their children.

Despite his lengthy criminal history and massive public outcry, Deacon has not been designated a dangerous offender, which would require a permanent jail sentence. 



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