A Llanelli mother has been prosecuted for failing to ensure that her 13-year-old son attended school regularly.
The woman pleaded guilty at Carmarthen Magistrates Court to the offence.
Rhian Young, prosecuting on behalf of Carmarthenshire County Council, said the boy’s attendance at school fell way below the acceptable level and there was no medical reason for it.
The family had been visited on numerous occasions by educational welfare officers. The mother said she could not get her son to go to school and he said that he did not want to go.
“The school has offered an alternative curriculum, a phased return and a reduced timetable. The officer has offered support. All support has been declined,” she added.
David Elvey, for the mother, said that she disputed that she had declined assistance and was willing to take whatever was available.
He said: “The simple fact is that her son has made it quite clear he’s not going to go to school. He’s displaying challenging behaviour and is becoming physical towards his mother. She is in a difficult position.”
The woman was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £54 costs and a £15 surcharge.
