A MOTHER has appeared in court for the second time for failing to ensure her son attended school.

Louise Allinson was given a conditional discharge at Teesside Magistrates' Court yesterday, less than a year after she was fined £100 for a similar offence.

The court heard that her 15-year-old son, Jonathan, was a wilful and aggressive child.

Maria Hill, of Middlesbrough Council, told the hearing that Jonathan had missed lessons at Acklam Grange School 153 out of a possible 154 times between January and June.

Allinson, 34, of Forber Road, Saltersgill, Middlesbrough, admitted the offence, but had earlier said she had done everything she could to make sure her son went to class.

Neil Douglas, in mitigation, said: "It is unfortunate in the extreme that Miss Allinson has appeared before the court.

"She acknowledges she has precious little influence over her 15-year-old son.

"It seems such a shame to convict Miss Allinson when the person at fault is her son.

"This is a wilful teenager who has shown violence towards a parent.

"There is a limit and, quite frankly, she has reached hers."

Magistrates gave Allinson a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered her to make a £20 contribution to court costs