A father who failed to send his child to school has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

The Pembrokeshire man, who cannot be named due to a court order, appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Monday, April 15.

He was found guilty in his absence of failing to ensure his teenage daughter’s regular attendance at school, when he failed to attend a previous hearing.

Jill Davies, prosecuting for Pembrokeshire County Council, said the girl’s school attendance had plummeted to 17.57% between October 22 and December 19, with 60 unauthorised absences.

There was no response to numerous attempts to make contact by the pupil support worker.

Mrs Davies said the girl was described as ‘bright’ with a number of friends, who enjoyed school, but her father had failed to cooperate with professionals.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said the man was ‘at a loss’ regarding how to get her to school.

“Were he to drag him to school he would undoubtedly be brought before the court for other offences.

“He tries to make her go to school. She will very often lie saying she is going to school, and then she goes and plays truant, or does not go at all.”

“He is not saying he is perfect, but when you tell your teenage daughter to go to school, you expect her to do so.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months and ordered the man to pay £165 in costs and a surcharge, with a 15 day rehabilitation activity.

“As a bench we are very concerned about the welfare of this child.

“You need to make ensure she is developing in a way that avoids her being put at risk.”