A CARDIGAN teenager’s poor school attendance led to a court appearance for her mother last week.

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to failing to secure regular attendance at school of a registered pupil, when she appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

The court heard that there had been a "marked deterioration" in the girl’s attendance earlier this year, falling to 67.16 per cent, and there had been no response to a penalty notice issued by the local authority.

David Williams, defending, said his client had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, and told the court the family had been dealing with a series of difficult issues.

He said: “This involved a lot of disruption, trouble and strife for this girl and her mother.

“These things accumulated in her mind, and she changed from being a willing to an unwilling pupil.”

He added that the girl had attended school late, after registration had closed, on some dates marked as absences.

Mr Williams said: “She is over this period and has re-found her interest in school. Over the last six weeks or so she has attended fully.

“She certainly is an able pupil and her mother wants her to flourish. She is aiming high and has a target.”

Magistrates imposed a 12-month conditional discharge, and ordered the mother to pay £210 prosecution costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

The presiding magistrate said: “It is very important for you that your daughter attends school, and attends on time.

“We are pleased to hear she has made good progress at school.

“It’s your legal responsibility to make sure this continues.”