A recently released sex offender, that was classified as “high risk” to re-offend, has been arrested after allegedly committing an offence. 30-year-old Joseph Faulkner had been previously convicted of many sexual offences and breaching release conditions. With his sentence about to expire, Faulkner was released on statutory release.
Under the law of Canada, anybody convicted of a crime is freed under strict surveillance into the public after serving two-thirds of his sentence. After Faulkner was released, he resided in a home near Dundas St. and Confederation Pkwy., a residential neighbourhood in Cooksville.
At that time, he was under release orders to stay away from children under 16 years old unless accompanied by an adult his probation officer approves. After, the Ministry of Solicitor General and a review of public safety issues Peel Regional Police announced public safety advisory to area residence.
The information police gathered from the report showed that Faulkner is at “elevated risk of re-offending” and officers will “be working to monitor his activities within the community.”
At that time, police said: “Peel Regional Police are releasing this information to the public as a precautionary measure. Our service strives to protect the public and values safety above all else. Although Joseph Faulkner presents a safety risk to the public, he remains a Canadian citizen, and his rights are guaranteed under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As such, Peel Regional Police will act to protect these rights if they are infringed.”
Also, they warned the public to be cautious if they have an encounter with Faulkner, saying “Parents should be mindful of their children’s activities and aware of the individuals they associate with.”
Police had been “closely monitoring” Faulkner since his release and he was arrested again on April 26 on charges of theft and three counts of breaching probation orders. Meanwhile, investigators have not revealed the circumstances of these new allegations like what Faulkner stole.
Faulkner remains in police custody awaiting a bail hearing at the Brampton courthouse.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation can call the Offender Management Unit at (905) 453–2121, ext. 7752 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
