Couple jailed for son's truancy

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An estranged couple have been given jail sentences for repeatedly failing to ensure their son went to school.

The BBC reported that the boy's 41-year-old father was jailed for 20 weeks; his 38-year-old mother has been given a sentence of just two months.

The couple, who live apart, had three previous convictions for failing to ensure regular school attendance.

Damien Gaskell, prosecuting for Flintshire local education authority, said it was "a systematic failure to ensure that the child received an education over a number of years."

He told magistrates that it was certainly not a victimless crime. "The child is suffering because of a lack of education which is bound to affect his future work prospects," he said.

Magistrates told the parents they had abdicated their responsibility to ensure the boy received a proper education.

To read the full story visit the BBC website  or check out the Five news report on truancy & parental responsibilities above.