HE represents a "serious risk to children". Nevertheless, a judge is powerless to register would-be child abductor Terry Delaney as a sex offender.

When he leaves prison, no one will be able to stop the 52-year-old, who tried to kidnap a 13-year-old girl at a York bus stop, from meeting other children.

Judge Paul Hoffman, who yesterday jailed Delaney for four years, said the law which prevented the Nestl worker from being registered as a sex offender was an anomaly that "makes no sense". And so it is.

Delaney had no previous convictions, but the court heard how he struck up a conversation with the teenager, then grabbed her wrist and tried to pull her away.

Fortunately, his victim escaped. So we will never know what might have happened. But, as Delaney's own barrister acknowledged, a probation report suggested he may have had a sexual or violent motive.

Under those circumstances, a law which prevents his name being entered on a register which, once he leaves prison, could have ensured his future actions and behaviour were properly monitored, really does make no sense.

It is not the first time Judge Hoffman has been unable to place a man who poses a potential threat to children on the sex offenders register.

In March this year, York teacher Nicholas Rowley walked free from court after admitting having images of young girls on his computer. He was placed on List 99, but NOT on the sexual offenders register.

Our children are the most vulnerable and precious members of our society. If the Government is serious about protecting them, the law which prevents men such as Delaney being subjected to proper supervision when they leave jail needs to be urgently addressed. Parents should expect no less.

Updated: 09:58 Wednesday, April 26, 2006