A CONVICTED sex offender landed himself in hot water when he used a different name following his release from jail.

A court heard staff at a probation hostel became aware that correspondence he was receiving was sent under a different name. Bryan Thomas had not notified police of the change.

The 27-year-old, of the Haworth House probation hostel, Blackburn, had been sent by magistrates for sentencing at Preston Crown Court for failing to comply with requirements under the sex offences act.

Five years' prison had been imposed on the defendant - in the name of Jack Walsh - in June 2001.

He was dealt with for offences of attempted rape, gross indecency and indecent assault.

Janet Ironfield, prosecuting, said he was released on June 14 this year, but did not notify police he was using the name Bryan Thomas.

Thomas was arrested, apologised to police for his failure, saying he was going to change his name by deedpoll in future.

Defence barrister Charles Brown said there was no sinister motive in the failure to notify the change and the name Bryan Thomas had been known to the probation service, as early as the start of July, he said.

Thomas was given a twelve months conditional discharge and told to pay £100 costs.