Bullied girl not been to school since February

Now her parents Neil and Donna Robinson are threatening to take legal action against the local education authority (LEA) for failing to secure their daughter a college place.

Since the attack in February, Gail (14), who lives with her family in Thompson Avenue, Ainsworth, has refused to go back to her secondary school in Bolton since she was tied up, beaten and robbed of £1. Three girls were later convicted of robbery at Wigan Youth Court.

Mr Robinson (42) said: "There is no way she can go back to the school while those who attacked her remain. And she is also too scared to go back to another high school.

"I have been trying to get her into a college either here in Bury or Bolton since February."

The father-of-six added: "Gail always had a perfect attendance at school and now she has been left behind while those who attacked her are allowed an education."

Last week, Gail and her mother Donna (40) were stopped in Radcliffe town centre by truancy officers and asked why she was not in school.

Mr Robinson said: "That was just laughable. It's been ten months now that my daughter has not been receiving any sort of teaching. I don't know what else to do. I am seriously considering suing Bury LEA. This sort of delay is inexcusable."

A spokesman for Bury Council said they only became aware in the summer that Gail had left her Bolton school. But he added that it was looking hopeful that a college place either in Bury or Bolton would be secured for Gail by the end of the week.

"The delay has been caused by the insistence of the father to send his daughter to college, which, of course, in this particular case we understand and are very sympathetic to.

"At the same time we are trying to meet the wishes of the parents with the needs of the girl. In this unique case we have been endeavouring to find her a college place to continue her studies."

He added that the matter of Gail being stopped by truancy officers would not be taken any further.