THE mum of a Greenlands teenager has been given a prison sentence after her son attended school for just 19 days in more than a year.

Susan Brookes admitted she failed to ensure her son John Brookes attended school and was given a 21-day jail sentence.

John, who is now 16, had turned up for just 19 days at Trinity High School since September last year.

His mother, of Dowlers Hill Crescent, was sentenced by Redditch Magistrates on November 9.

Steve Wilkinson, principal education welfare officer at Worcestershire County Council, said: "It is vital our children get the best possible start in life and that means getting a decent education, something best achieved by being in a school environment.

"On top of that, if young people are in school it keeps them out of temptation's way and prevents them becoming involved in any anti-social behaviour."

This case was first brought before magistrates on February 9 and then again on June 7.

Brookes pleaded guilty to the charges on July 20 and appeared before magistrates on October 11 when she was warned the bench was considering a custodial sentence. This academic year, John has attended just four half-day sessions.