PROBATION chiefs have sought to reassure the public after a convicted sex offender tried to lure young York children into his car for sex - despite being under supervision.

Roz Brown, North Yorkshire Probation area chief officer, said she regretted that distress had been caused by Michael Anderson, who is facing a lengthy jail sentence after being convicted of two charges of inciting children into sexual activity.

York Crown Court was told that Anderson, 41, was freed from prison earlier this year, partway through a jail term for inciting young girls into sexual acts with him, but was under probation officer supervision. Months later, he drove around Huntington trying to persuade young girls to get in his vehicle.

Roz Brown said she could not comment on the details of an individual case. "But (we) would like to reassure the community that public protection is our key objective and at all times we work closely with the police and other organisations to ensure this is the case."

She said the management of dangerous offenders in the community was given very high priority by the police and probation services. "In some instances, offenders can be released on extended licence to ensure that the risk is managed more closely over a longer period of time."

She said offenders' behaviour was closely monitored by both police and probation services, and risks posed by the offender were carefully analysed and action implemented to minimise future risks. "This can include weekly supervision and treatment programmes.

"If at any time that behaviour gives cause for concern or the licence is broken, the offender's licence will be revoked and he will be recalled back to prison."

Updated: 10:06 Wednesday, December 08, 2004