A DUDLEY mother who entered into a sexual relationship with a schoolboy has avoided spending time behind bars.

Judge John Warner told Helen Cartwright, aged 42, she "should have known better" adding: "You clearly gave no thought at all to the consequences."

He said the boy had been just 15-years-old at the time so there was a "significant difference" in their ages and he went on: "This is a very, very difficult case."

But he ruled he was just able to avoid sending her straight into custody because if the offence had happened just two months later when the boy was 16 "no crime would have been committed."

Cartwright, of Langstone Road, Russells Hall, admitted sexual activity with a child and she was given a two year jail term suspended for two years.

She was further placed on supervision for two years at Wolverhampton Crown Court and told she must register as a sex offender for the next ten years.

Sati Ruck, prosecuting, said Cartwright, a woman of previous good character, was arrested after police became aware of the relationship and when questioned she told officers she was aware the boy was under 16.