Convicted sex offender released from prison, expected to live in Winnipeg

Winnipeg police say a high-risk sex offender has been released from custody and is expected to live in the city.

A convicted sex offender considered a high risk to re-offend has been released from prison and is expected to live in Winnipeg, Man.

The Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) issued a community notification Friday, alerting the public that Jason Mark Bard, 35, was released from Headingley Correctional Centre after serving a portion of his sentence for a breach of recognizance conviction.

Police say he is expected to live in Winnipeg.

According to officers, Bard has a history of sexual and violent offending. His lengthy criminal record includes convictions for sexual assault with a weapon, forcible confinement and aggravated assault.

He also breached probation multiple times, police say.

One past conviction stemmed from a 2015 incident where Bard attacked a woman and violently sexually assaulted her while threatening and choking her. The attack stopped when two strangers came upon the scene and intervened.

He received a total sentence of five years in connection with the attack.

Upon release Friday, Bard will be subject to a recognizance order involving a number of conditions, including reporting to probation services, abstaining from alcohol and drugs and abiding by a curfew.

He is also subject to a lifetime weapons ban, police say.

Officers say while Bard has completed some sexual offender treatment, he is considered a high risk to re-offend in a sexually violent manner against adult women.

Police provided the information about Bard upon his release so the public can take “suitable measures to protect themselves.” However, they warn any form of vigilante activity or other unreasonable conduct will not be tolerated.

Anyone with information about Bard is asked to call the Manitoba Integrated High-Risk Sex Offender Unit at 431-489-8056.