MOTHER told a court she had failed to send her nineyear- old daughter to school because lack of hot water at home meant it was difficult for her to wash.

Jeanette Shore, aged 28, of Yates Street, Tonge Moor pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the child attended regularly at school.

Bolton magistrates heard how the child had only been to school on 97 out of 158 possible occasion between September last year and January this year.

Miss Shore said her rented home had no heating or hot water and so the child had been unable to clean herself properly and she did not want her to go to school smelling.

She added that they have now moved to another property were there is hot water and her daughter now attends school regularly.

Magistrates fined Shore £150, ordered her to pay £150 prosecution costs and £15 victim surcharge.