Burke Family Members Ejected from Courtroom for Continuous Interruptions
On Wednesday, four members of the Burke family were ejected from the High Court in Ireland due to continuous interruptions during court proceedings. Gardaí, or police, removed Enoch, Isaac, Ammi, and their mother Martina after multiple warnings from the presiding judge, Mr. Justice Brian Cregan.
Background of the Case
The court hearing focused on a contempt-of-court application initiated by Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath. Enoch Burke has faced over 500 days in prison for violating injunctions not to trespass on school grounds.
Events Unfold in Court
As Judge Cregan provided directions about the case, Enoch Burke persistently questioned him about a “kernel” issue related to his required use of non-binary pronouns for students. Burke argued that the Court of Appeal had not adequately addressed this matter in its earlier decision, which upheld his suspension and the school’s permanent injunction against trespassing.
Each family member was removed by gardaí in the order of Martina first, followed by Isaac, Ammi, and finally Enoch. Throughout the proceedings, Enoch accused the judge of influencing the school and related parties to pursue legal actions.
Potential Legal Consequences
Judge Cregan indicated that he would address several upcoming applications, including:
- Attachment and committal concerning Enoch’s possible recommitment for contempt.
- Sequestration of vehicles driven onto school grounds by the Burkes.
- A €15,000 debt owed by Enoch to the school.
- Removal of videos posted on social media that were filmed on school property.
- Possibility of reducing a daily fine, which has accrued to approximately €225,000.
The judge also stated that he might consider a separate criminal contempt application against Enoch due to his persistent disruptions. Additionally, an application regarding Isaac’s interruptions would be assessed in the following weeks.
Future Proceedings
Despite being instructed to leave, Enoch remained in the courtroom, demanding answers. Upon the judge’s return, he continued to press for immediate responses, claiming to have anticipated a judgment. Judge Cregan responded by describing Enoch’s conduct as “ridiculous” before ordering his removal. The case is set to return to court next week, with several critical issues still to be resolved.
