A mother has been fined for not ensuring her daughter regularly attended school.

Jane Canavan, of Parklands in Coopersale, pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the 13-year-old attended St John’s C of E School in Bury Lane, Epping, regularly between September 2 and January 1.

She was ordered to pay a £75 fine, £20 victim surcharge and £75 in costs by Chelmsford Magistrates yesterday after pleading guilty to the charge.

A further two parents with children at school in Epping Forest also appeared in court and their cases were adjourned.

A spokesman for Essex County Council, which brought the prosecutions, said: “Essex County Council is committed to ensuring children receive a suitable education and issues penalty notices and uses legal processes where appropriate to achieve this aim.”