Mum to be jailed if child is late for school again

A Sligo mother has been warned that if her child continues to be late for school she will be sent to prison.

The mother appeared in court following an ongoing prosecution by the Child and Family Agency for failing to ensure her child attended school.

Ms Eiteain Cunningham, acting for the Child and Family Agency, said it was alleged that since the mother’s last court appearance on April 27th, the child was absent for four days and was late on 16 occasions.

“They’re including 9.05 and 9.10 as being late,” said the mother.

Ms Cunningham said there was an allegation the child came in as late as 11am on one occasion but the mother said she sent a note that day.

“After the summer I’m getting her out earlier,” she said.

Judge Kilrane said there must be “absolute perfection” in the child’s attendance by next September. “If that’s not in place you’re going to prison,” he warned her.

The case was adjourned to September 14th next.