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 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.

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