Parents jailed for daughter's truancy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 14-year-old girl has been taken into foster care after her parents were jailed because of her truancy.
Christopher and Deborah Haine were jailed for four months after their daughter, Shlaine, attended Hartridge High School in Newport, south Wales, for the equivalent of only six days over seven months. The couple were told in court that they had shown a "complete disregard" to Shlaine's school attendance.
Anthony Harris, chairman of the bench at Newport magistrates' court, said the couple had shown "nothing but contempt" for the two-month suspended sentence imposed on them in January for a similar offence. He activated that sentence yesterday and added a further two months.
They had both pleaded guilty at a hearing on 18 July to a breach of the 1996 Education Act regarding their daughter's non attendance.
Tristan Clappe, for the defence, said: "Mr Haine tried to drag her to school, but somebody rang social services and the police." He said they were faced with a teenager who wouldn't listen.
The Haines, both aged 41, were first prosecuted in 2002 for failing to ensure that Shlaine and their son Caine attended school.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments