U.S. sex offender released after hearing
Canadian Press

Niagara Falls, Ont. — An American sex offender was released from custody on Friday and ordered to live at his family's home in St. Catharines, Ont., after an immigration official said the man posed little threat to society.

“I'm satisfied that as a danger, you're at the low end,” said Ken Thomson, the immigration review board member who gave the ruling in Niagara Falls, Ont.

“When I look at the evidence...it's clear that he comes out at the low end of the scale.”

Malcolm Watson was arrested Wednesday trying to re-enter Canada from Buffalo, N.Y. The federal government wants Mr. Watson kicked out of the country.

While Mr. Watson is free to return to his family's home, an admissibility hearing will be held in the coming weeks to determine if he can remain in the country.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Friday that his government would do everything it could under the law to have Mr. Watson removed.

“The government's view is we will use every legal means to not have this individual free in Canada, which we don't think is appropriate,” Mr. Harper said, speaking to the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, west of Toronto.

“He is, however, unfortunately, a Canadian resident and Canada's laws in this regard are too loose.”

Mr. Watson , dressed in a white dress shirt, looked relaxed and smiled from time to time during the proceedings.

His wife sat beside him, somewhat less expressive.

Earlier this week, a judge in Buffalo approved a plea bargain allowing the 35-year-old teacher to serve three years probation in Canada, where he lives, after being convicted of a sexual offence involving a 15-year-old girl.

On Friday, the immigration official imposed a $5,000 performance bond, that must be paid if Mr. Watson violates the conditions of his release.

Included in the conditions is a provision that he must reside where he lives now in the southern Ontario city of St. Catharines. Currently, he shares the home with his wife and three children.

He was also ordered to report for his admissibility hearing.

Already making regular visits to his probation officer in Buffalo, Mr. Watson was ordered to cross over only at the Peace Bridge and report to an immigration officer each time.

When asked if he would agree to the conditions, Mr. Watson politely said “Yes, sir.