Mother in debt wins test case over jail order

A MOTHER facing prison for defaulting on a credit union loan, part of which was to pay for her daughter’s funeral, has won her constitutional challenge against the jail sentence in a test case which could have widespread repercussions for people in debt.

Caroline McCann from Co Monaghan said she hoped her landmark High Court case would mean people unable to pay their debts will be treated more fairly.

Ms McCann said she was relieved she “won’t have to go to prison and be taken away from her children”.