Sex offender to be released into B.C. community, police warn

Police in Abbotsford are warning the public about a convicted sex offender who is set to be released into the community.

Police in Abbotsford, B.C., are warning the public about the planned release of a convicted sex offender into the community.

A statement from the Abbotsford Police Department says 46-year-old Stephen Bradley Ewing will be discharged from the minimum-security William Head Institution near Victoria on March 30 to begin living in the Fraser Valley community.

“Mr. Ewing has a criminal history that includes convictions for sexual assault, sexual assault causing bodily harm (including an offence involving a victim under 16), and overcoming resistance by choking in 2021 and 2023,” the statement said.

Authorities advised that Ewing will be placed under several conditions upon his release, including that he not be in the presence of children under 16 years old unless accompanied by an adult.

He is also prohibited from places where children are likely to gather, including daycares, schools, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and recreational centres, police said.

Ewing is similarly barred from being in the presence of sex trade workers or accessing the internet, and must not consume or possess drugs or alcohol.

Authorities urge anyone who witnesses Ewing violating those conditions to contact their local police immediately.