A leading rape crisis worker has been jailed for 21 days for contempt of court after speaking out about convicted paedophiles resettled in the community.
Ms Eileen Calder, a mother of seven, went to Newtownards Magistrates Court in Co Down on Friday to give moral support to a male friend. The man had been charged with disorderly behaviour following a fracas with police over a convicted paedophile who had been seen loitering in school areas.
When he was found guilty Ms Calder stood up in court, identified herself and complained of injustice. After she refused to be quiet and apologise, the magistrate, Mr John Edwards, sentenced her to 21 days in jail.
Ms Calder was reported by the Sunday World yesterday as saying from her prison cell: "I will not apologise. I spoke out for justice and I have no regrets. Hell will freeze over before I say I am sorry." adraigin Drinin, will seek her client's release at a special sitting of the bail court in Belfast today.
Ms Calder has worked for Belfast Rape Crisis Centre for more than 10 years. She stood for the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition in May's council elections. The coalition has expressed "grave concern" about her treatment.
On Saturday Ms Calder's husband, Colin, and their seven children, all aged under 14, staged a protest outside Maghaberry Prison in Co Antrim where she is being held. Mr Calder said that he fully supported his wife's stance.
An application for her release is expected to be made today.