Women who tried to leave IS faced prison, torture and death, Smith trial told

Lisa Smith faces terror-related charges at the Special Criminal Court. Picture: PA

Women who tried to leave IS in Syria faced imprisonment, torture and death an expert on Middle Eastern conflicts has told the trial of Lisa Smith, a former Irish soldier who denies membership of Isis.

Florence Gaub told the Special Criminal Court that anyone caught trying to get out would be considered a traitor, a spy or a coward and she described one case in which an Austrian woman was beaten to death with a hammer when she said she wanted to go home.