VIDEO: Mum-of-six jailed for not paying fine has been released

A mum-of-six jailed early this morning for refusing to pay a fine for not registering her children for home schooling was released just before lunchtime.

Two gardai arrived at the home of Monica O'Connor (47) and her husband Eddie O'Neill (49), Tullow, Co Carlow at 7.20am for the pre-arranged arrest.

They were both found guilty last year of failing to cause their children to attend school after they refused to register them for home schooling.

They were fined €2,000 by Carlow District Court in June of last year but did not pay the fine.

Four of the couples’ six children along with Eddie and a close family friend watched on shocked as Monica was placed in the back of the garda car and taken to jail.

Speaking minutes after her release Monica said she was still in shock as to what happened.

“I’m so relieved to be out of prison so quickly but it’s only on temporary release. I just want to get home to my husband and kids.

“I never thought the situation would come to this. I have to say the gardai have been very respectful to me and my family. There are a lot of restrictions and I can be jailed at any time.

“I can’t do a lot of things while on temporary release but at least I’m out of jail now. I can’t believe the State allowed this to happen to us.”

Her husband is still facing the possibility of arrest.