Court orders jailing of mother and sister of Enoch Burke
Long past time to call a halt to this 'family circus' - Judge
Enoch Burke’s mother, Martina and sister Ammi, are to be arrested and sent to prison for two weeks each following a High Court order this morning.
At a hearing in February, the pair interrupted proceedings by shouting and had to be forcibly removed by gardaí.
Today, Mr Justice Brian Cregan found that members of the Burke family couldn't be reasoned with and were refusing to accept the rule of law.
He said it was "long past time for the court to call a halt to this family circus".
During proceedings last month, Ammi Bruke's interruptions meant an application by Wilson’s Hospital School could not be heard.
Mr Justice Cregan said that Ammi, in particular, was unapologetic and defiant about her behaviour, ultimately finding both women in contempt of court.
Judge Cregan remarked that Ammi Burke herself was a solicitor by profession but he had never encountered a solicitor who behaved this way in court. It was disgraceful and indefensible, he said.
Martina and Ammi Burke had been called twice until Isaac Burke told the judge they were at work.
From there, the judge issued an order for their arrest by the gardaí and to be immediately sent to prison for two weeks.
More to follow.