Truant's father ready for jail

Mr Standford is prepared to go to jail

The father of a persistent truant from Kent has said he would rather go to prison than force his son to go back to school.

Fifteen-year-old Darren Standford, of Tunbridge Wells, said he has refused to attend Tunbridge Wells High School as he is constantly picked on by a gang of bullies.

His father Gary, who is facing prosecution, says forcing him to return to school would be a form of child abuse.

A school spokesman said staff had done everything possible to help Darren.

Local Education Authority spokesman Bob Rose said the prosecution was necessary as Mr Standford was "colluding" with his son to keep him out of school.

Mr Rose said the situation had to be resolved as there is evidence persistent school truants fail to attend college and their work places regularly.

Darren Standford claims he is being bullied

Gary Standford is due in court in two weeks but he believes the situation could be resolved before then.

He said: "Putting him into a new school or college would solve everything but putting me into prison, well all that means is there will be no one to look after my child."

If Darren does not return to school this year he will finish his education with no qualifications.

He said: "I would like a second chance and I would start Year 10 again if I could go to a different school."