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Pedophile a 'high risk to reoffend'
Public warned of man free on parole

Charlie Anderson - The Province

Convicted pedophile Sidney Wells may be free, but as far as B.C. Corrections is concerned, he's still dangerous.

Wells, 65, who has convictions stretching back 20 years from four provinces, now lives in Victoria after being released from jail on Friday.

Yesterday, the corrections branch warned that Wells poses "a high risk to re-offend."

The warning included a photograph and description of Wells as well as a list of parole conditions.

"There's a very clear record of sexual offences against male children," said corrections spokesman Derek Tangedal.

Wells, in custody since 1992, was declared a "dangerous offender" with an indeterminate prison sentence in 2001.

That designation was overturned on appeal in 2004. After a new hearing, Wells was convicted in January 2005 of a 1992 offence of sexual interference of a person under 14. He was sentenced to one day in jail and three years' probation.

Only 15 to 20 notifications are released annually.

"We want to make sure that people know this person is in the community although he is being actively supervised by both corrections and the police," said Tangedal. He said the public should call police if they notice Wells violating his parole.

Wells' probation includes:

- No contact with any child who appears to be under 16.

- He is banned from any park, community centre, playground, daycare centre or public swimming area.

- He cannot volunteer or be employed where he's in a position of trust or authority over children younger than 14.

- He has a curfew between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m

- He can have no excessive alcohol or drug consumption.