THE mother of a child absent from school 108 times since September was yesterday fined £400 - but she was not at court to receive judgement.

John Howard, prosecuting for the education services, said: "We are extremely concerned about the situation given the age of this child. We fear there may well be a precedent set for the rest of her school life.

"The sad thing is that when she has been at school, teachers have considered her to be a bright pupil, and want to do what they can to help her."

Mr Howard said: "There have been 23 attempts to make contact by the school and the educational social worker to try to talk to the mother."

"The last time they visited the house, the mother said if she didn't clear off, she would call the police."

The court then heard that since this incident the girl's situation had changed. Two weeks ago the girl, from Acomb, York, had gone into voluntary care with the social services. Since then she had enjoyed 100 per cent attendance at her school.

Mr Howard said the child could be returned home to the parent whenever the mother wished.

The mother was fined £400 in her absence.

Updated: 11:14 Friday, April 11, 2003