Mum poses as daughter to become cheerleader

A mum who posed as her daughter in an attempt to become a high school cheerleader has been committed to a mental health hospital.

Wendy Brown attended a day of classes and practised with the cheerleading squad

Wendy (34) was charged with identity theft after she enrolled using her 15-year-old's ID at Ashwaubenon High School in Wisconsin.

She then sat in on a day of classes and practised with the cheerleading squad, also reportedly attending a pool party at the cheerleading coach's house.

At the time, her daughter was living with a relative in another state.

Her true identity was discovered when she failed to show for another day of classes.

Authorities were called in to track her down - only to find the mother had a past conviction in a forgery case.

Brown was found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect and committed for three years.

She had told investigators "she wanted to get her high school degree and be a cheerleader because she had no childhood and was trying to regain a part of her life she missed", according to court papers.

Staff and students reportedly told police that although Brown seemed a bit old to be at high school, she had the convincing demeanour of a teenager.