Paedophile breached his sexual harm prevention order.

A child sex offender who went on the run from Cumbria and was featured on the BBC's Crimewatch programme, has appeared in court.

Paul Hunter Redpath, 51, admitted three offences when he appeared via a video link before Carlisle's Rickergate court.

The court heard that Redpath, who has previous convictions for sexually abusing two teenage girls, breached a sexual harm prevention order by leaving Cumbria without the permission of his offender manager.

He also admitted two allegations of failing to complete his annual Sex Offender Notification form for the police.

When Redpath went missing, police issued an urgent appeal, stating that he was last seen in the Kendal area but also had links with west Cumbria, Preston and Scotland. He was described as being 6ft 4ins tall and having a distinctive grey beard.

George Shelley, prosecuting, said: "Essentially, since a date in 2019, Mr Redpath has been at large in respect of his monitoring and management of his risk in the community. It's a persistent breach which had gone on for two years plus."

The starting sentence point for the offences admitted by Redpath was one year's custody, said the prosecutor, who asked for the case to be sent to Carlisle Crown Court given the more limited sentencing powers available to the magistrates.

Magistrates agreed with the prosecution assessment and sent the case to Carlisle Crown Court for a hearing on November 4.

The court heard that Redpath had been recalled to custody and was due for release from prison on October 11. His criminal record comprises 63 past offences, with the last conviction being a breach of his sexual harm prevention order in 2018.

Defence lawyer Anthony Wilson said the defendant took a 'practical view' of his situation, and did not wish to apply for bail before he is sentenced.

In September 2018, Redpath was featured on BBC Crimewatch, named as one of seven men who were wanted by Cumbria Police.

Over his video link from Lewes Prison in East Sussex, the defendant said he wanted to return to Carlisle to be sentenced in person because of his situation in jail, saying: "I'm banged up 23 hours a day."

Originally from Stranraer, Redpath has previously gone missing, prompting earlier appeals for information about his whereabouts.

In 2009, The Belfast Telegraph described him as a 'dangerous sex offender'. He had fled from a probation hostel, triggering a manhunt.

Redpath was jailed in 2006 for three years after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing teenage girls, aged 13 and 15, at waste ground on the Killough Road in Downpatrick.

The Telegraph's report stated: "Police have not said how long Redpath, who is known to abuse alcohol and is considered to pose a serious risk to vulnerable children and young people, has been missing. They said numerous attempts have been made to locate him and have warned the public not to approach him."