Gda Reidy said Mazarache and her family surrounded him as he arrested the teenage boy. (Stock picture)

A pregnant mum of 14 took the keys from the ignition of a Garda patrol car as officers arrested a teenage member of her family.

Alina Mazarache (32) tried to stop gardai from placing the boy in the car before opening the driver's door, kneeling on the saddle - the frame of the car door - and removing the keys from the ignition.

She then threw the keys into the footwell, Blanchardstown District Court was told.

Mazarache, of Redberry, Finnstown, Priory, Lucan, was "distressed" at seeing the teenager arrested, said the defence.

Mazarache admitted wilfully obstructing Garda Jim Reidy on April 11 last year.

Gda Reidy said Mazarache and her family surrounded him as he arrested the teenage boy.

Refused

He eventually managed to place the boy on the back seat of the car.

After the garda got into the driver's seat, Mazarache opened the door, knelt on the saddle and refused to let go.

She then took the keys from the ignition and threw them in the footwell.

Ms Breen told the court that her client was "distressed" and upset at seeing the teenager arrested.

She realised that her behaviour was completely unacceptable.

Ms Breen said Mazarache, who moved to Ireland 15 years ago, was married with 14 children. Her 15th was due in two months.

Judge David McHugh imposed a 28-day prison sentence, which he suspended for six months.