A South Essex mum was today behind bars for not sending her 14-year-old daughter to school.

The woman, who cannot be named to protect her daughter's identity, is thought to be the first parent in Essex to be jailed for their child's truancy.

Essex County Council, which prosecuted the Basildon mother, asked for her to be jailed because it was her third appearance before magistrates.

Published Thursday January 22, 2004

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