A MUM from Thornbury faces a hefty fine for not sending her child to school for almost a year.

The parent was ordered to pay £696 because her child failed to attend secondary school on a regular basis for 11 months.

The parent, child and school cannot be named for legal reasons.

The case was proved in the defendant’s absence at Bristol Magistrates Court on Monday, March 18.

The woman was fined £440 and must pay a £176 victim surcharge plus £80 in costs.