CHILD predator Terry Delaney has lost his appeal against the four-year sentence handed down by a York judge for trying to abduct teenager Natalie Hick.

In this newspaper's view, four years behind bars is the least that should be expected by a man who, in the words of Judge Paul Hoffman at York Crown Court, represents "a serious risk to children".

The Appeal Court in London heard yesterday that the only explanation for Delaney's behaviour was that he wanted to commit "either a sexual or violent act" against Natalie.

Praising Natalie's courage in shaking herself free and running away, Appeal Court judge Mr Justice Mackay said: "She is a spirited 13-year-old and she was too much for him. Another girl might have gone along with him and another time something else might have happened."

It is clear that, for the sake of children everywhere, prison is the right place for Delaney.

Thankfully, Natalie was not required to give evidence at the Appeal Court yesterday. Her mum June said she was "very, very pleased" by the court's decision. For Natalie, hopefully, the ruling offers closure and the chance to get on with her life.

There are still countless children at risk from predators like Delaney because of a legal loophole which means child abductors are not registered as sex offenders.

The Change It! campaign by The Press calls for a change in the law so that in future they would be automatically placed on the Sex Offenders' Register.

Home Office minister Vernon Coaker has promised our campaign will receive "sympathetic consideration". The law could be changed as soon as this autumn.

Until it is, The Press will not rest. We owe it to Natalie and other children like her to see this campaign through.