A MAN who tried to lure two paper boys into his car before crashing it.

A court heard how Shamim Alam, 32, was drink-driving in a black Volkswagen Golf when he attempted to entice the 13-year-old and 15-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, into his car.

Burley Crown Court heard how both offences were committed in Brierfield but in separate incidents.

After those attempts failed Alam, of Reedley Road,Burnley, crashed his vehicle into a bus at Nelson Interchange, Broadway, and was subsequently arrested, the court heard.

All the offences took place on December 17, 2015.

Alam pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to remove a child from the lawful control of their parent/ guardian.

The prosecution offered no evidence to a charge of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

Judge Jonathan Gibson told Alam he "did not seem to be the kind of person with a predatory nature" and decided to sentence him to 12 months imprisonment, but suspended it for two years.

Judge Gibson said: "You pleaded guilty to two offences of attempted abduction that you committed on the same day approximately 16 months ago. They involved two separate boys. One of your victims was aged 13 and the other was aged 15.

"They were doing paper rounds at the time. Both refused to get into your car when you invited them to do so.

"As your defence council quite rightly said you didn't carry out your request with threats.

"Both boys had the presence of mind to call up their parents or ask for the assistance of others nearby.

"You were arrested after you collided with a bus. You have been convicted of driving with excess alcohol during these offences.

"It doesn't seem like you are the kind of person with a predatory nature."

Having previously been banned from driving for three years, Alam was also ordered to pay a statutory victim surcharge. No orders for costs or compensation were made.