She said Ms Towey was unable to afford a lawyer, “so it’s even more difficult and confusing for her”.
Even if found not guilty, the legal process could take “months and months”, she explained, but the family were feeling optimistic that international pressure would help.
“If the Irish government backs her case and does everything that they can diplomatically… it’s highly likely that she will be home in Ireland next week,” she added.
“With all of the support [Tori and her mother] are just over the moon and very, very positive that things will go well next week.”
