Police warn public about sex offender

City police issued a public warning today about a recently released sex offender who plans to live in the Edmonton area.

Kenneth MacWatt, 39, served seven years at the Bowden Institution for aggravated sexual assault.

Police consider MacWatt a sex offender who clearly poses a risk of significant harm to the community and vulnerable women. His criminal history includes convictions for aggravated sexual assault and assault causing bodily harm.

Police spokesman Dean Parthenis said the warning was issued not to encourage vigilante action against MacWatt, but so the public can take precautionary measures.