Easy way out for term time hols parents

NO DEFENCE The Scotts A COUPLE who took their daughter out of school for their honeymoon were told by a court how to avoid a criminal record.

If Janine and Shane Scott admit they took Elissa, seven, to New York without permission and pay a £60 fine they will get off with just a caution.

Janine, 28, and Shane, 27, had pleaded not guilty on principle but were told it was a strict liability offence so they had no defence.

The prosecution said they were “not heartless” and the chairman at Teesside magistrates said a caution “would be best”.

The couple, of Stocktonon-Tees, face a fine of up to £2,500 for taking Elissa out of St John’s CofE Primary.

The case was adjourned to December 7 for them to decide on the caution.