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A public safety advisory has been issued by cops regarding a “high-risk offender” who has been released from custody and will be living in Peel Region.

Peel Regional Police say Gil Dasilva, 74, was released from custody on Friday after completing a prison sentence for manslaughter.

“Dasilva has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for violent offences,” police said in a statement released Friday.

Police said their Offender Management Unit “believes Dasilva presents a significant risk to public safety and an elevated risk of re-offending or breaching his conditions, particularly involving women.”

Second-degree murder charge

Dasilva was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the Mississauga killing of Cheryl McVarish in 2017.

McVarish, 43, was reported missing after leaving her home on Westmount Ave. – near Lakeshore Rd. E. and Cawthra Rd. – to go to the store on March 13, 2017.

The mother and grandmother was found dead, dumped on her driveway, a week later by a dog walker.

Investigators reportedly later concluded McVarish had never left her residence.

Victim suffered blunt force trauma

It was believed that blunt force trauma was a contributing factor in her death and that her body had been hidden inside of her home for the week police were looking for her.

Dasilva, the father of the victim’s live-in boyfriend, was arrested on May 2, 2017.

The details of the outcome of his trial were not immediately available, so it’s unclear why Dasilva was convicted of manslaughter and not the original charge of second-degree murder.

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Police said they will “continue to monitor his activities and compliance with his court-ordered conditions” and explained they released the information about Dasilva “as a precautionary measure to help reduce the risk to the community.”

“Members of the public are reminded not to approach him,” police warned.

Anyone with information is asked to call Offender Management Unit investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 3400.

cdoucette@postmedia.com

@sundoucette