A court has ordered parents to pay out thousands of pounds in fines, costs and charges for failing to ensure their children were at school.
Nine parents were convicted of failing to ensure their children regularly attended school at Taunton Magistrates' Court last week.
Defendants were issued heavy fines and conditional discharges. Across these nine cases, parents were collectively ordered to pay more than £3,000.
Local authorities normally handle truancy cases, but some can be sent to court if parents don't comply.
According to the official UK Government website, parents must make sure your child gets a full-time education "that meets their needs".
The description advises: "You'll get a School Attendance Order if the local council thinks your child isn't getting an education.
"You have 15 days to provide evidence that you've registered your child with the school listed in the order or that you're giving them home education.
"If you don't, you could be prosecuted or given a fine.
"Your local council can give you a fine of £60, which rises to £120 if you don't pay within 21 days.
"If you don't pay the fine after 28 days you may be prosecuted for your child's absence from school."
The nine people convicted of failing to ensure that children regularly attended school
For legal reasons, the parents cannot be identified.
- A woman from Bridgwater was found guilty. She was fined £60, and ordered to pay costs of £120 and a victim surcharge of £30.
- A woman from Taunton was found guilty. She was fined £180, and ordered to pay costs of £90 and a victim surcharge of £30.
- A man from Burnham-on-Sea was found guilty. He was fined £440, and ordered to pay costs of £90 and a victim surcharge of £44.
- A woman from Burnham-on-Sea was found guilty. She was fined £440, and ordered to pay costs of £90 and a victim surcharge of £44.
- A man from Taunton pleaded guilty. He was issued a three-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.
- A man from Minehead was found guilty. He was fined £440 and ordered to pay costs of £120.
- A woman from Taunton pleaded guilty. She was issued a three-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.
- A man from Bridgwater pleaded guilty. He was issued a three-month conditional discharge and was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.
- A woman from Taunton pleaded guilty. He was fined £660, and ordered to pay costs of £90 and a victim surcharge of £66.
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