A MUM and dad who took their four children on a term-time holiday because it was quieter for their autistic son have been slapped with a £407 fine.
Tammy and Daniel Lambert were hit with the eye-watering fee after they took their son Riley and three other kids to Benalmadena in Spain in April 2024.
BPMTammy and Daniel Lambert acknowledged their error in court[/caption]
The couple, from Trent Vale, refused to pay the fine and appealed the decision through the North Staffordshire Justice Centre.
However, an unsuccessful plea means they now have to pay out even more.
The court heard son Riley had been waiting for an autism assessment at the time the duo pulled their kids out of school during term time.
Riley has since been diagnosed with the condition after two years on a waiting list.
Tammy told the court: “We had to time meals and go later when it was quieter. We were around the pool in a quieter area and when it was quieter.
“We had disability assistance on the plane and getting through the airport.
“I sent in photographs of Riley walking through the airport wearing his dressing gown, and with his ear defenders and weighted blanket.
“One of the reasons for going then was we were going with a family that understands the struggles we have.
“We went with our friend and she has an autistic son.
“He was on the waiting list for two years and has had a diagnosis of autism by a specialist – he was diagnosed about six weeks ago. They’re also requesting he has an ADHD assessment as well.
“We put our hands up, we did do it the wrong way. The children have good attendance – Riley’s is 97 per cent at the moment and the only time they are off is due to illness.”
The Lamberts conceded their four children were registered absent from school between April 25 and May 3, 2024.
Following a £163 victim surcharge and £120 on top of the initial £407 fine, the couple now must fork out £690.
A magistrate told the Lamberts: “It’s important that children attend school, not only for their education but for their social skills.
“If they are not in school they are being deprived of essential skills, notwithstanding the difficulties a disabled child will have.
“While we have every sympathy and acknowledge the difficulties, from what you have told us, the difficulties of having a disabled child, the law is very clear.
“Parents cannot take a child out of school without the prior authority of the child’s headmaster.
“You were issued with a fixed-penalty notice. You decided not to pay – that’s why you are here.”
The Sun Online has reached out to the North Staffordshire Justice Centre for comment.
Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
