Mother in trouble for son's exam

AN ASSISTANT professor at Cassino University in southern Italy has come under fire for heading an exam commission which examined her own son.

Lia Santucci teaches geometry at the engineering department of Cassino University. Her son, a first-year engineering student, came before her to take his geometry exam and passed with flying colours. He was awarded a grade of "30 with commendation," - the highest possible.

The coincidence of mother examining son, which is not allowed by Italy's national university regulations, was brought to the attention of the university authorities and the exam was annulled. A judicial inquiry is under way.

Given the naivety of the crime, it is likely that Ms Santucci will get away with a reprimand from the judge or universities.