An Oklahoma woman convicted of using a counterfeit cheque has received a reduced sentence after getting medically sterilised at the suggestion of a judge.
The Oklahoman reports that US district judge Stephen Friot showed leniency to 34-year-old Summer Thyme Creel during her sentencing because she had surgery to prevent pregnancies.
Judge Friot had suggested the medical procedure in a June order, noting that Creel had relinquished parental rights to six of her seven children.
Creel was sentenced to a year in federal prison and three years on supervised release. She also was ordered to pay more than $15,200 (€12,400) in restitution.
Creel pleaded guilty last year to using a counterfeit cheque at a Walmart in Moore in 2014. She faced a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.