Rumoured sighting of sex offender in Donegal
There are reports that convicted sex offender William John Paden, who is wanted by UK police, has been sighted in West Donegal.
A spokesman for the Garda Press Office said that they would not be commenting in any way on the reported sighting and were referring all queries to the PSNI and to Lancashire Police.
Although Gardaí are refusing to comment, it is understood there was what has been described as a "positive sighting" of William John Paden at Main Street in Dungloe just after 6.30pm on Saturday evening.
The spokesman declined to confirm that a member of the public had reported to them seeing Paden in West Donegal or whether the Gardaí would be investigating the sighting.
Paden has 19 convictions for sex offences and police believe he is very likely to re-offend.
He is being sought by detectives in Lancashire since he disappeared from his Blackpool home and is wanted for recall to prison.
UK Police believe he travelled to Northern Ireland and the Gardaí were also alerted by Lancashire Police amid fears he may travel across the border.
When contacted, Lancashire Police recorded details of the reported sighting but a spokeswoman said she was unable to comment further.
