PROBATION bosses in Lancashire, under fire for their handling of sex offenders, say they are dealing with more difficult, demanding and disturbed criminals than ever before.

Lancashire Probation Service was criticised by residents in recent months after the Lancashire Evening Telegraph revealed how two sex offenders in its care had committed further offences against children while on bail.

Accrington residents were angered after a probation chief explained how a sex offender, described as "dangerous", had gone on the run, sparking a police manhunt, after he was put on a train alone in September.

People living near Highfield House bail hostel, Accrington, criticised risk assessments carried out by the service after it was revealed that another convicted child abductor had exposed himself to a mother and child while on bail.

The service's annual report says it is working more closely than ever with the police to help minimise the risk posed by offenders.

It says new risk assessment methods were introduced in April, and staff were trained in "some of the most advanced methods possible."

Government performance targets are being met for supervision of offenders.

Chief probation officer John Crawforth said: "The probation service is being expected to supervise more difficult, demanding, and sometimes disturbed, offenders than at any previous time. Many have a long history of unpredictable and anti-social behaviour. Their supervision requires a combination of understanding, the skilful use of authority and sheer persistence."

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