Article content
Leslie Wayne Oliver Mercredi, also known as Leslie Wayne Brightnose, is a 32-year-old convicted sex offender who poses a high risk of reoffending, particularly against children. Mercredi was released from the Headingley Correctional Centre on Aug. 31 after serving 236 days for failing to comply with the conditions of his recognizance order and is expected to take up residence in Winnipeg.
Article content
Mercredi has a history of violent and sexual offences. Despite some participation in treatment programs, authorities consider him a high-risk to reoffend sexually against all children, particularly females. His past criminal record includes convictions for sexual assault, sexual interference, assault, possessing a weapon dangerous to the public, and multiple breaches of probation and recognizance orders.
Mercredi’s previous sentence for sexual interference, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, and breach of probation resulted in a total of three years and six months, plus 779 days of pre-trial custody. He has been known to commit sexual offences by threatening victims or using drugs and other inducements. He has repeatedly breached probation orders by being alone with children under 16.
Article content
Mercredi is subject to a lifetime prohibition order that restricts him from attending public parks, swimming areas, daycares, school grounds, playgrounds, or community centres where children under 16 are present. He is also barred from seeking employment or volunteer work that involves positions of trust or authority over children under 16. He cannot have contact with children under 16 without written authorization from his probation officer.
Mercredi is under a recognizance order until Nov. 16, and a probation order until March 27, 2026. These orders include conditions prohibiting contact or communication with anyone under 16, imposing a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and requiring him to reside as directed by his probation officer. He must comply with counselling and treatment requirements and is banned from consuming alcohol or illegal drugs. Mercredi is also subject to a lifetime weapons prohibition order.
If you have information about Mercredi, contact the Manitoba Integrated High-Risk Sex Offender Unit at (204) 679-2257, the Winnipeg Police Service at (204) 986-6222, your local RCMP detachment, or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at (204) 786-8477 or 1-800-222-8477.
Share this article in your social network