Pregnant Limerick woman jailed for failing to pay fine

A heavily pregnant Limerick woman is spending this week in jail after failing to pay her debts.

The mother-of-eight, who is due to give birth to her ninth child next month, is serving a five-day sentence in Limerick Prison.

She failed to pay a fine under the Litter Pollution Act and also appeared before the court for failing to repay a credit union loan.

Local Fianna Fáil Councillor Noreen Ryan has criticised her imprisonment, saying alternatives must be found for people in such circumstances.