A LONG distance lorry driver who admitted attempting to kidnap a 10-year-old boy has been told by a judge to expect a "substantial" prison sentence.

John Foley, aged 30, tried to drag the boy into a car on a street in Deane, Bolton.

Foley, a convicted sex offender, who lived at Blackshaw House, Deane, yesterday admitted trying to snatch the youngster when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court.

He had been due to face trial but changed his plea at the last minute.

Foley, who will be sentenced on August 30, was told by Judge Robert Atherton: "A substantial prison sentence is the likely outcome.

"You have been well advised and have now pleaded guilty to this matter. It means the young victim will not have to give evidence.

"Until the reports are completed and have been considered, you will remain in custody."

Foley admitted trying to kidnap the boy in Bolton on a Sunday last February.

In 1998 he was convicted of indecent assault after abducting a nine-year-old boy on an industrial estate in Essex and was jailed for four years.

He was released from prison on the Isle of Wight after serving 18 months and returned to Bolton in June 2000. Following his release, the authorities warned police that Foley was coming back to the Bolton area and he was "exceptionally dangerous".

He was monitored by Bolton's Multi-Agency Public Protection Panel.

Today as Foley was back behind bars awaiting his sentence Chief Insp Alan Greene of Bolton Police, said: "The only way children can be safe is if he is off the streets."