Court's mercy for 'holiday truancy' Hungerford mum

Magistrates decline to impose fines

MAGISTRATES declined to enforce the fines imposed on a Hungerford mother for taking her child on holiday during John O’Gaunt School term time.

They took the unusual step after hearing from April Richards that the school management had refused to enter into discussions with her.

Furthermore, at the hearing in Newbury on Thursday, April 16, they branded correspondence from the school as “stark.”

Ms Richards, of Cold Harbour, could have been made subject to a Parenting Order and ordered to pay the £120 fine imposed by West Berkshire Council plus a contribution to the education authority’s court costs.

But instead, the mother of four walked away with a 12 month conditional discharge and will only have to pay a statutory surcharge of £15.

Pick up a copy of this week's Hungerford edition of the Newbury Weekly News for the full story.