A new "fast track" process for prosecuting the parents of persistent truants suffered a setback yesterday after the first cases to be brought to court were all adjourned.

The fast-track procedure, being piloted by nine local authorities, was supposed to prosecute parents within 12 weeks of the child's non-appearance at school.

But yesterday the first group of parents either pleaded not guilty, did not register a plea or did not turn up to the hearing at Grays magistrates' court in Essex.