Abbotsford Police are warning the public and women especially about the release of an offender with a history of domestic abuse from jail.

John James St. Jean, 43, has an extensive criminal record that includes convictions of assault causing bodily harm, assault, uttering threats and robbery.

St. Jean's history of violence in domestic situations is particularly concerning to police, said Const. Ian MacDonald.

"He's been convicted over 24 times for such offences as assault and assault causing bodily harm . . . and the vast majority involved domestic abuse," said MacDonald.

"For this reason, we feel that we must pro-actively work to protect the public and women in particular by sharing information about St. Jean."

The offender's last girlfriend told police if she had known about his criminal record, she'd never have gotten involved with him, added MacDonald.

"The latest victim said having the information would have made the difference," he said.

"There is no acceptable amount of domestic violence, but if we don't [issue a warning] in such an extraordinary circumstance, how are we protecting people?"

St. Jean is banned from the city of Abbotsford and must tell any future girlfriends about his criminal record.

The APD notes the warning about St. Jean is important to residents of the Lower Mainland living outside of Abbotsford as well.

St. Jean is Caucasian with short brown hair and is six feet tall and weighs 190 pounds.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com

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