A COUPLE from Worcester could face jail after failing to stop their children playing truant.

Worcester Magistrates heard how, between April and July this year, one child went to lessons on 84 occasions out of a possible 86, and the other on only 22 occasions.

The parents, who cannot be identified, have five previous convictions for failing to make their children attend school and they again admitted failure during the period.

Prosecuting, Richard Jones said one of the children had improved its attendance levels but that there had been "little development" in the other's behaviour.

Defending, Judith Kenney, said it was a desperate offence where one child was "sitting at home and not doing anything".

"It has reached such a serious level that they realise custody must be considered. The previous history is not good of getting these children to school," she said.

The couple are due to be sentenced on Thursday, December 18.