A CARLISLE mother illegally allowed her child to stay with her over Christmas when the teenager was supposed to be with a foster carer.

The woman – who cannot be named for legal reasons – tried to keep police officers out of her home on December 29 last year after they arrived to look the girl, who had been reported missing.

At the city’s Rickergate court, the woman pleaded guilty to keeping the teenager away from care “without lawful authority.”

She also admitted obstructing a police constable.

George Shelley, prosecuting, said the offence came to light shortly after mid-day when police, acting on a tip-off that the teenager was at her mother’s home, arrived to investigate.

When the officers told her why they were there, she refused to let them into the house and tried to shut the door.

“She kicked out at one of the officers,” said Mr Shelley, but it was accepted that this was not an attempt to assault the constable but rather the woman trying to stop him getting into her home.

The officers were able to search the house – despite the woman’s attempt to stop them, and the found the girl in an upstairs room.

The teenager was reported missing on Christmas Eve.

Tariq Khawam, defending, said the teenager involved had been staying with her boyfriend but the mother was not open with the authorities because she did not want to get him into trouble.

The care order governing the defendant’s contact with the teenager allowed supervised contact six times per year and they could also communicate by social media.

When the police arrived, the mother had been with a friend and alcohol had been taken. Mr Khawam said the mother’s background was “troubled”.

District Judge John Temperley said the defendant had handled the situation in “completely the wrong way.” Whatever her views on where her daughter had been placed while in care, allowing her to stay with her was always going to be the worst decision, he said.

That choice had also hindered her ability to see her daughter, which she clearly wanted to do. “You placed yourself and her in a difficult position but I understand where that came from,” said the judge.

The judge imposed a 12-month community order with a three-month alcohol treatment requirement and five rehabilitation activity days. The woman must also pay an £80 fine and a £114 victim surcharge.

“I hope you renew contact with [your daughter] soon,” added the judge.