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Judge says Enoch Burke behaving like 'unruly schoolboy'

Enoch Burke was told he was behaving like an 'unruly schoolboy' (File image)
Enoch Burke was told he was behaving like an 'unruly schoolboy' (File image)

A High Court judge has described Enoch Burke as behaving like an "unruly schoolboy" and awarded costs against him in proceedings over his unpaid fines.

Gardaí had to remove Enoch Burke's mother Martina and sister Ammi Burke from the courtroom during today's proceedings.

Mr Burke owed €79,100 in fines imposed for contempt of court after he continued to turn up at Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath, following his suspension and dismissal, in breach of court orders

€40,000 has been taken from his bank account after the court granted an order allowing that, along with appointing a receiver to collect his salary from the Department of Education.

The court heard that around €1,500 has been collected to date.

Brian Kennedy SC, Counsel for the Attorney General, made an application for costs, as did counsel for the School Board of Management.

Counsel for the receiver asked for his costs to be reserved.

Rosemary Mallon, acting for the board, said Mr Burke has continued to turn up at Wilson's Hospital School every day apart from two days - one was a teacher training day and the other was for a court appearance.

She read out an affidavit from the acting principal of the school saying if Mr Burke continued to attend the premises in the next school year, the board would seek an "attachment and committal order" with great reluctance, as before.

Mr Burke was asked to make his case as to why costs should not be awarded against him.

He said he was not in court for circumstances of his making and said lies were being told.

Mr Burke said he wanted to make the submission he had tried to make during the last court appearance but was interrupted during.

The judge told him "all of that is behind us".

Mr Burke continued to talk over the judge, who said: "This is not a soap box, you are a schoolteacher and know all about unruly schoolboys.

"You are acting like an unruly schoolboy," he added.

Martina (L) and Ammi Burke were both removed from the courtroom (File: RollingNews.ie)

Mr Burke said that over the past three years "judges have run out of the chair many times" and no judge has taken up the issue that the principal's demand was unlawful.

The judge said he had given Mr Burke "too much leeway" and Mr Burke needed to deal with today’s issue on costs.

Ammi Burke started shouting from the body of the court and the judge asked gardaí to remove her.

She continued to shout "you are telling lies" as she was removed from the courtroom.

Martina Burke then began shouting and the judge asked gardaí to remove her also.

While she was being taken from court, another man stood up asking to make a submission.

Mr Justice David Nolan said Mr Burke was showing disregard to the court and he began giving his decision on costs.

Mr Burke remained standing and speaking throughout.

Mr Justice Nolan said Mr Burke was being "disruptive and rude" and his behaviour was "disgraceful".

He said: "It was worth noting that he is a schoolteacher and should be setting a good example."

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