Lawlor spends last hours in prison

Dublin West TD Liam Lawlor is waking up to his final morning behind bars after a seven-day stay in Mountjoy Jail for contempt.

However, on release - expected to be at 2pm this afternoon - the independent TD is facing a fresh barrage of inquiries relating to his financial records.

The Flood Tribunal is currently studying the charred remains of bank statements allegedly burned at Mr Lawlor's home the day before he was jailed.