Almost six times as many parents in Northamptonshire are being prosecuted for truancy compared to five years ago, amid a government crackdown on unauthorised school absences.

Councils covered by Northamptonshire police took 125 parents to court in 2017, figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show.

This was a huge increase from 2013, when there were just 21 prosecutions.

Of those charged in 2017, 111, or 89%, were found guilty.

Courts issued fines in 103 cases and handed out community sentences, such as an order to do unpaid work, on four occasions.

Prosecutions for truancy across England and Wales reached 18,377 during 2017 - 6,600 more than during 2013 - with parents being hit with more than 11,700 fines.

The National Education Union said fines were counterproductive, and that there was no easy fix for truancy

Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the NEU, said: “One thing that is certainly needed, to ensure pupils are in school and engaged in learning, is a dialogue between the school and parents or carer.

“Fines invariably have the complete opposite effect, creating unnecessary tensions between schools and families.

“Clearly this is counterproductive to getting the problem resolved.”

Seven in 10 prosecutions in Northamptonshire were against women.

Sam Smethers, chief executive of women’s rights charity Fawcett Society, said it was concerning to see mothers penalised more often than fathers, adding that society was “too quick to judge mothers”.

Both parents have a legal obligation to ensure children attend school regularly, regardless of whether they are separated.

Headteachers and councils can also issue on-the-spot fines to parents for unauthorised absences instead of taking them to court, but may prosecute if the fine is not paid.

Around 400,000 such fines were issued in England and Wales between 2014-15 and 2016-2017.

A recent academic study found that parents of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities were frequently being prosecuted for truancy, when they would have benefited from more support.

Professor Rona Epstein, one of the researchers, said: “It’s horrendous that these parents are prosecuted, and it’s costing an absolute fortune from the public purse to do so.”

She added that mothers were the sole parents prosecuted in many cases, even if the child belonged to a two-parent household.

In total, parents have been prosecuted for truancy 444 times in Northamptonshire between 2013 and 2017.

The courts found them guilty in 348 cases, imposed 290 fines and handed out four community sentences.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “Evidence shows that every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil’s chances of achieving good GCSEs, which has a lasting effect on their life chances.

“We are clear that pupils can only take term-time leave in exceptional circumstances, and where this leave has been authorised by the headteacher.”

The incident happened on Friday, January 11, at about 11.35am, when a man entered the Cordwainer Pub in The Ridings and walked upstairs towards the direction of the till.

He then went behind the bar, which is on the first floor, and tried to open one of the tills.

He was then challenged by a staff member and asked to leave.

A Northamptonshire Police spokeswoman said: "The offender is described as a white man, wearing a blue woolly hat, dark, half-zipped jumper, grey baggy joggers and black trainers.

"He arrived and left the area on a bicycle."

This police appeal was published today by the force.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Cobblers defender Ash Taylor felt it was ‘a bit harsh’ for supporters to greet the full-time whistle with boos after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Crawley Town.

Some home fans at the PTS made their disapproval known at the end of a desperately disappointing League Two encounter when they booed the Cobblers off.

Town have just a solitary home victory to their name in over three months – a 3-0 win over Carlisle United last month – and Saturday’s draw, though accompanied by a welcome clean sheet, was another frustrating afternoon against a team who started the day two points and one place worse off in the table.

“We had the better chances but on a positive it’s a clean sheet and if you’re not going to win the game, you don’t lose it,” said Taylor afterwards.

“I thought we played quite well. Fans obviously get frustrated but I thought the booing was a bit harsh because we didn’t lose the game and we kept a clean sheet.

“It’s another point on the board. It’s not three but it’s another step in the right direction after the Colchester game so we’ll take the positives and build on it.

“It’s disappointing we didn’t score with the chances we created. We’ve been a threat from set-pieces and it’s something we always look to work on so it’s a little disappointing not to score.”

Fellow defender David Buchanan can understand why fans are frustrated by the lowly league position Town find themselves in this season, but he too felt Saturday’s performance was not worthy of boos.

“I hope that (league position) is what the fans were frustrated about because I think every player has left everything they had out on the pitch on Saturday,” he said. “We just couldn’t get over the line.

“It’s another point and it keeps Crawley below us but I fancied us and not just being bias, I did think we had the best chances in the game, although we probably could have created more.”

The team landed at 12:47pm via the Magpas Air Ambulance at Victoria Park in St James but no other details have been given by the press office this morning.

Magpas Air Ambulance brings crucial lifesaving care by land and air to patients in life-threatening emergencies in the East of England and beyond.

Some of the UK’s expert doctors and paramedics volunteer their own time to work with the Magpas Air Ambulance.

The Magpas Air Ambulance medical team receives enhanced training, which allows them to offer procedures and treatments at the scene, like general anaesthetic, which are usually only available in hospital.

This means that the front line care the team delivers doesn’t just save lives, it helps seriously ill and injured people return to a good quality of life.

The public can support this lifesaving charity by joining the Magpas Lottery or visiting www.magpas.org.uk.

Two 18-year-old men from Kettering, and three boys, one aged 14 from Corby, one aged 15 from Wellingborough and a third, aged 17, from Northampton, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police were called to reports of a 17-year-old boy having suffered stab wounds in Waingrove, Blackthorn, shortly after midnight.

The boy was taken to hospital where his condition is described as being serious but stable.

A number of officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries this morning as well as searches in the area.

Anyone with information should contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man from Northampton has been charged following an incident at a retail premises last week.

Ashley Maparura, aged 29, of Nether Jackson Court, Blackthorn,was arrested and charged following the incident at Currys PC World on Friday afternoon (February 15), when a number of people suffered irritation to the face after being sprayed with an unknown substance.

Maparura is due to appear before Northampton Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, February 18), charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, assault with intent to resist arrest and theft.

Two people were taken to hospital after the incident.

The ambulance, police and fire service attended the scene at about 3.30pm following a 999 call.

It was reported that customers had come into contact with a noxious substance.

Several members of the public could be seen with blankets around their shoulders outside the store at 5pm, and large bottles of a clear substance had been poured on the ground outside the store.

Initially the incident was being treated as a major incident, but was later downgraded.

One person who witnessed the emergency response said: “There was a cordon across the whole car park. I’ve never seen so many hi-vis vests in one place.”

Just after midday Highways England confirmed there had been a collision involving three vehicles on the southbound stretch between junction 17 (Dunchurch) and junction 16 (Northampton).

Two lanes are currently closed.

Just before 1pm @HighwaysEMIDS said: "Emergency services are now on scene. Recovery have managed to remove some vehicles, however some are still in situ."

Traffic is queueing back for several miles.

UPDATE: The scene is now clear and all vehicles are out of live lane and all lanes are reopened. Congestion still remains in the area.

A man and women are reported to have approached a group of children near to the Black Prince pub in Abington Square and, following a verbal altercation, the man is alleged to have assaulted one of the boys in the group.

The assault happened between 2.30pm and 3.20pm on Tuesday, January 1.

Officers would like to speak to the two people pictured as they may have information that will help their inquiries.

The man, or anyone who recognises him, is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A van driver chased down a motorcyclist on-foot, with a hockey stick in-hand, and made threats to kill him in Northampton.

The incident happened on Friday, February 15, at 11.30am, when a van began following a motorcycle rider.

The van began driving dangerously along Wellingborough Road past the junction of Booth Lane South towards Weston Favell.

There was then an altercation in Pinewood Road where the van driver got out of his van and ran towards the motorcyclist with a hockey stick.

The pursuit then continued into Addison Road and Lindsay Avenue and then into Park Avenue North where the van driver made threats to kill.

It only ended when the motorcyclist rode to a police station where the van driver then left the scene.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.

The theft is reported to have happened at about 2pm on Saturday, January 19, in Abington Street after a shopper left their bag on a seat in Clarks.

Officers would like to speak to the man pictured as he may have information that will help their inquiries.

The man, or anyone who recognises him, is asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Saints fly-half James Grayson has won this season’s Premiership Rugby Cup breakthrough player award following a public vote.

Launched in 2012, the breakthrough player award celebrates and recognises under-23 players who have stood out in the tournament.

Previous winners including the likes of Exeter star Jack Nowell, Leicester wing Jonny May and Saints ace Tom Collins.

Using OPTA match statistics, a forward and back from each round were shortlisted, with a further two wildcards added for their performances across the whole competition, forming a 10-man vote.

And Grayson, who has starred as Saints reached next month’s final, was shortlisted following his performance in the 51-24 victory over Bristol Bears in October.

At Franklin’s Gardens that afternoon Grayson played exactly an hour and made his presence known during his spell on the pitch.

No player in round one scored as many points as the Saints No.10, who kicked six goals and crossed for a try for a 19-point haul.

In fact, the 20-year-old was one of just four players to both score and assist a try in the opening round of the Premiership Rugby Cup.

He was also strong in defence with only one back making more tackles than him, while Grayson was the only back to attempt more than eight tackles without missing at least one.

That opening performance saw Grayson earn his place on the 10-strong shortlist, but he didn’t stop there, kicking a further five points in round two, including a match-winning conversion in Saints’ 15-14 triumph at Wasps.

He was restricted to just one conversion in a 14-12 loss at Gloucester Rugby in round three, but Grayson came alive in Saints' ‘Derby Day’ victory over local rivals Leicester Tigers, kicking six conversions and scoring an early try in a 47-20 win.

And his boot came to the fore again in a topsy-turvy semi-final victory over Newcastle Falcons as Grayson kicked seven conversions to see Saints set up a final against Saracens with a 59-33 success.

In winning the public vote, Grayson receives a Promaster Tough watch courtesy of Premiership Rugby partner Citizen, while Gilbert, Official Ball and Rugby Clothing Partner of Premiership Rugby, will supply £1,000 worth of kit to a grassroots club of his choice.

Worcester Warriors’ Ted Hill finished second in the voting, while Tom Willis of Wasps was third.

The full shortlist was...

Josh Bayliss – Bath Rugby

James Grayson – Saints

Ted Hill – Worcester Warriors

Arron Reed – Sale Sharks

Tom Willis - Wasps

Tom Whiteley – Saracens

Joel Kpoku – Saracens

Gabriel Ibitoye – Harlequins

Josh Caulfield – Exeter Chiefs

Matt Gallagher – Saracens

The former BHS store in Northampton town centre is set to reopen as a no-name brand 'fashions, furnishings and furniture' store.

A new sign that simply reads 'Factory Outlet' has gone up above the empty store in Abington Street this morning (February 18).

The new sign has been fixed in place over the last remaining BHS logo that jutted out into the street.

It comes after the outlet was used as 'Europe's Largest £1 Christmas Shop' up until Christmas Eve 2018.

Developers Oxford London Estates Group bought the department store outlet in August 2018 for an undisclosed fee.

At the time, company director Roni Chotoveli told the Chron the investors were not simply looking to fill it with another 'dying' high street brand and called on local entrepreneurs to submit ideas for the prominent building.

Mr Chotoveli also outlined hopes to fill the store with a hybrid of flats, shops and leisure, but future plans have not yet been revealed.

Oxford London Estates Group has been contacted for a comment.

The team, who train at Thomas Becket Catholic School, are trying to raise the profile of wheelchair basketball to attract the next generation of players to join their squad and want people with, or without a disability, to find a sport they really enjoy.

IN PICTURES: Northampton wheelchair basketball club launches recruitment drive for more players

Treasurer and coach Chris Dabbs said: "I’ve been a member of this club for over 20 years and in that time we have gone from supplying several Paralympians and playing in National League Division 2, to having all our chairs stolen in 2012, then rebuilding at the university with a student team, to losing that venue and struggling along down in Roade.

"Our player base has shrunk to just four juniors and eight senior players and we want to get the word out that we are alive and kicking, so we have a have-a go-day planned for March 16 from 10.30am through to 2.30pm where anyone can pop in and try their hand in a state-of-the-art sports wheelchair and discover the buzz that wheelchair basketball delivers."

The wheelchair version of basketball is a non-contact sport with five players on court at one time.

Players are allowed two pushes on their wheels before either bouncing or passing the ball.

The team has eight seconds to get the ball across the half way line and then a further 16 seconds to try and get a basket. Players only have three seconds in the key - the area where most shots are taken - before they have to exit.

"We are primarily about giving people with a lower-limb disability a chance to play a team sport with a ball, you don’t have to be a wheelchair user to qualify.

"From primary school pupil to pensioner, anyone can play our sport.

"With able-bodied and impaired participants lining up together we are the most inclusive team sport on the planet. All equipment is provided, so all you have to do is turn up and play."

You can find out more information about the team on their website or on their Facebook page.

The have-a-go day will take place at: Thomas Becket Catholic School, Becket Way, Northampton, NN3 6HT.

The team, who train at Thomas Becket Catholic School, are trying to raise the profile of wheelchair basketball to attract the next generation of players to join their squad and want people with, or without a disability, to find a sport they really enjoy. Read more here.

Keith Curle says he ‘understands’ why fans continue to be frustrated by his side’s lack of progress this season, but he has warned it will only take ‘time and transfer windows’ to change the ‘culture and environment’ of the club.

Picking up the pieces from Dean Austin at the start of October, Curle has struggled to address Town’s inconsistency problems that have plagued their season and prevented them from moving into the top half and challenging for the play-offs.

Cobblers have shown glimpses of form during his five months in charge, most notably during October and November when they won six in seven games, and also last month’s impressive 3-0 win over Carlisle United, as well as their recent 2-1 triumph at Tranmere Rovers.

But those are two of just three victories in their last 19 games, a run that dates back to early November and culminated on Saturday when Town were held to a bore draw at home to 17th-placed Crawley Town.

That combination of poor form and Saturday’s dour contest prompted a section of fans to boo the players off at full-time, and Curle says he can see why patience is wearing thin for some.

“I understand the frustrations of the fans because there are aspirations and a desire for the football club to go in the right direction,” admitted the Town boss.

“I need it to go that direction too but at the minute we’re lacking a little bit of quality and a bit of creativity in the final third.”

If you took the League Two table from the time of Curle’s appointment to the present day, the Cobblers would be 10th with 32 points from 23 games, five points off the play-offs and 12 adrift of league leaders Bury.

But whilst the former Carlisle United manager looks to have at least ensured Town will avoid relegation to non-league this season, it feels as if progress has stalled in recent weeks.

However, despite making adjustments to the squad in January – with six leaving and five arriving – Curle says he will need more time and also several transfer windows to get the Cobblers back on track.

“I’ve got until the end of the season when the window opens and I’ll have the opportunity to improve the technical, tactical, physical and mental environment that we’re working in,” he added.

“It does take transfer windows to change the culture and change the environment we’re working in. I was at Carlisle for nearly four years and I don’t think there was one player that came on that journey with me.

“That took time and this will take time because we’re not going to throw money at it and there’s not going to be an abundance of money and a changing room full of players.

“We need to show good housekeeping and work within the budget that’s supplied to the footballing department. It will take a bit of time but the building blocks are in place.

“There wasn’t a winning mentality within the club when I came after relegation last season and then sitting at the wrong end of the table, but being difficult to beat has got to be part of the DNA of the team. If things don’t come off, we’ve got to make sure we don’t get beat.”

A Northampton 'speakers society' for poets and stand up comedians is hoping to 'inject some culture' into the tIt's own with their first meeting next month.

The basement of the Dapper Sandwich Company, in Wellingborough Road, is holding the group's first meet up on March 7 between 7pm and 9pm.

Founder Matthew Holman says the society will be a place for aspiring writers to share their work and give feedback to others.

He said: "Northampton could use an injection of art and culture and the Speakers Society aims to contribute.

"It's really just a meetup event to encourage people to share their creative writing and their thoughts on current topics and get it out into the world.

"It can be stand-up comedy or stories or spoken-word poetry but I just think it helps writers to have a place to get feedback."

The topic for the first meet up is 'fear'. The monthly sessions will be closed, meaning individuals who take part will contribute with their own ideas as well as listening to others.

Matthew said: "I think Northampton needs to encourage as much culture as possible and getting people together could be the first step towards that."

A 25-year-old Northampton man is today starting a lengthy jail sentence after being convicted of blackmail, possessing a firearm and assault.

Northampton Crown Court heard James Tilbury, originally from Rushden, had held a teenager at gunpoint and beaten him for hours in an attempt to making him pay up a £70 drug debt.

During the ordeal in September 2015, the terrified victim has been pistol-whipped by Tilbury who also held a loaded gun to the teenager’s head making him fear for his life.

He eventually escaped his captors running to a friend’s house and then hiding under the stairs as police were called.

Tilbury was jailed for seven-and-a-half years. His co-defendant, James Price, aged 26, from Irthlingborough, was jailed on Friday for three-and-a-half years after he admitted blackmail.

DC Brian Gape, of the Force’s Serious and Organised Crime Team, welcomed the sentence handed down by Judge Roger Tregilgas-Davey.

He said: “This was gang-related violence of the most extreme kind. Tilbury’s victim was shown no mercy when he was subjected to a terrifying ordeal that lasted for several hours, all for the sake of a small drugs debt.

“Through Operation Viper, our specialist operation targeting gangs, Northamptonshire Police continues to demonstrate how we will relentlessly pursue those involved in serious organised crime and further our efforts to tackle those who think nothing of arming themselves with knives and firearms in order to deal in drugs.

"Today’s sentence sends a strong message out to those people and should serve as a warning to anyone thinking of getting involved in serious organised crime.”

At around 1pm on Saturday, a silver Vauxhall Corsa was travelling along the A508 towards Northampton, away from Roade, when it collided with a tree in the verge on the opposite carriageway, just outside the Woodley Farmhouse day nursery.

A police spokeswoman said: "The driver suffered minor injuries while the passenger received serious injuries and is currently in a stable condition."

Anyone with information or who witnessed this incident is asked to call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615.

Here, we take a look at the hugely talented 23-man squad they could select if only players under the age of 25 were allowed...

Police are appealing for the public’s help to locate a man wanted on recall to prison.

Nigel Graham, aged 40, previously of Boothville Green, Boothville, Northampton was originally sentenced in 2017 after facing charges of assault.

He was released on licence but failed to attend arranged appointments, a condition of his release, and as a result is wanted on recall to serve the rest of his sentence.

Anyone with information as to his whereabouts is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.