Kerry Katona could be sentenced to time in jail after missing another important court appearance this week.
Charged with failing to send one of her children to school regularly, the reality TV star was due to attend a hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 20 February).
However, the 38-year-old did not turn up to defend herself against the allegations that one of her five children has not attended enough days at school.
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Instead, Kerry emailed the court to say she had a prior engagement in Scotland.
According to the Daily Mail, she wrote: “I have been booked for a paid appearance in Scotland for which members of the public have already paid.”
After failing to appear, a new date was set and Kerry will be warned that she could be tried in her absence and a prison sentence passed.
Gareth Jones, prosecuting, told the court: “It is an imprisonable offence. She didn’t provide any evidence of the engagement.
“But, as she is a media personality, there probably is some truth in it. If she doesn’t attend on the new date, we will seek to prove in absence and seek a warrant.”
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Magistrate Dr Ian Haffenden adjourned the case until Wednesday 6 March. A letter will be sent to Kerry, explaining that if she does not attend, the court could still convict her.
The same day, in an ironic move, the Atomic Kitten star – whose prior engagement was a motivational speaking event in Ayrshire – shared a post on her Instagram page of a pile of self-help books.
Alongside the photo, she told her 377,000 followers: “Knowledge is power!!! Educate yourself… Follow your dreams!!! Always trying to be a better version of myself.”
However, in her Insta-stories, Kerry addressed the fact she had not attended the court in a message which read: “Just to be clear… The court was aware that I wouldn’t be attending yesterday due to work commitments!
“My @lils.mc has NEVER skipped school EVER her attendance was low due to illness and me not calling to inform the school! It’s as simple as that!!!
“This has been completely blown out of proportion!! And I will not be going to jail!!!”
However, that all depends on whether Kerry makes her next court date.
It’s not the first time Kerry has been in trouble with the courts.
The I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2004 winner faced the same charges in 2017 when the family went on holiday to Barbados during term time and Kerry failed to pay a fine.
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