The parents of a boy who attended less than one in three classes have been fined for failing to make sure he regularly attends school.

The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, attended just 32% of lessons between June 14 and November 5 last year.

Despite two home visits and four letters from Brighton and Hove City Council’s educational welfare team, the child’s attendance failed to improve.

So far in this academic year the boy has been to just 30% of his classes.

The case was heard at Brighton Magistrates Court on Thursday.

However the child’s parents failed to attend and were not represented.

In their absence they were prosecuted under Section 444 of the Education Act.