A North Cornelly woman has been jailed for a total of 42 days after repeatedly failing to send her child to school and breaching a community order.
Bridgend Magistrate’s Court passed the sentence on Jennifer Martin of Plas Morlais, North Cornelly after hearing that it was the ninth time she had been prosecuted by Bridgend County Borough Council for failing to ensure that her child regularly attends school.
She was sentenced to 21 days plus a further 21 days for bail offences.
Councillor Alana Davies said: “This sends out a strong message and reminds parents that they have a legal responsibility to ensure that their children attend school.
“The council does not take the decision to prosecute lightly, but will not fail to take action when all other attempts to resolve the situation have failed.
“If a pupil does not regularly attend school, the Education Welfare Service will meet with the family and make every effort to help them resolve any problems or obstacles that may stand in their way. However, a failure to co-operate leaves us with no choice but to resort to legal measures.
“We all want what is best for young people in Bridgend County Borough, and ensuring that they have access to a full education is an essential part of this process. “
Ms Martin was prosecuted under section 4441a of the Education Act 1996.
