A mother is being fined for trying to take her terminally-ill son on what could be his last holiday during term time.
Maxine Ingrouille-Kidd could be charged up to £120 and prosecuted if she presses ahead with plans to take Curtis, 13, out of school for the trip.
Her son is a blind quadriplegic and has cerebral palsy and has only been given a few years left to live. He also suffers epileptic fits.
Curtis
Doctors have told Maxine he could die any time between the ages of 14 and 19.
She said: "My son is 14 in October and this may well be his last holiday.
"He is never going to have a career, he is going to spend the rest of his life with us looking after him.
"I asked for a holiday request form and was absolutely flabbergasted and shocked when the response was ‘no’."
Maxine, 56, and her husband Peter, had wanted to take the family on a cruise to celebrate the couple's silver wedding anniversary.
Initially they had tried to book it during the school holidays but a disabled cabin was not available.
Maxine said: "I am a law-abiding citizen and this has been very stressful
"The only relaxation he can get is swimming, so a cruise ship with a pool where he can also enjoy the sensory motion of a boat is ideal for him."
The recently deposed education minister, Michael Gove, introduced tougher sanctions for parents who take their children out of school during term-time.
Prior to this parents were able to take children out of school for 10 days a year but are only allowed to do so now in "exceptional circumstances".
John Osman, leader of the local council, said: "This case does sound exceptional. I am keen to talk to the head teacher."
An online petition by campaign group 38 Degrees against the new rule changes has received nearly a quarter of a million signatures.