Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 10809Contempt of court

Martina and Ammi Burke face contempt consideration over High Court hearing conduct

Martina Burke and Ammi Burke, the mother and a sister of teacher Enoch Burke, were removed from the High Court by gardaí at a hearing on the Friday before the 25 February 2026 reports, during proceedings about Enoch Burke's case against a disciplinary appeals panel. Mr Justice Brian Cregan said their conduct included repeated shouting, repeated refusals to sit down despite warnings, and interruptions of an application, and that this forced the court to abandon the proceedings. On 25 February 2026 the judge decided to hold a contempt of court hearing in relation to the two women, and he is due to give his ruling on the contempt issue the following Wednesday.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court25 Feb
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
Martina Burke and Ammi Burke appeared before Mr Justice Brian Cregan in the High Court to answer for their conduct at a hearing.
Where
The hearing was held in the High Court.
When
The conduct occurred at a hearing on the previous Friday, as reported on 25 February 2026.
Cause
  • The judge said the women's conduct included repeated shouting, repeated refusals to sit down despite warnings, and interruptions of an application by the barrister for Wilson's Hospital School.
  • The judge said the interruption of counsel forced the court to abandon the proceedings.
Investigation
Gardaí removed Martina Burke and Ammi Burke from the courtroom at the hearing.
In court
  • The hearing dealt in part with Enoch Burke's proceedings against a disciplinary appeals panel that heard his appeal against his dismissal from the school.
  • The judge decided to hold a contempt of court hearing in relation to Martina Burke and Ammi Burke.
  • Ammi Burke said the judge's striking out of proceedings against the disciplinary appeals panel was an appalling abuse of power.
  • The judge is also due to rule on Enoch Burke's application to refer a perjury affidavit to the DPP.
  • The judge will give his ruling on the contempt issue the following Wednesday.
Charges
The judge is considering the women's conduct as contempt in the face of the court; no finding has been made.
Sentence
The women were warned they would face fines or imprisonment if found in contempt.
Other details
Enoch Burke is in prison, having been jailed before Christmas for continuing to trespass at his former school despite a court order.
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatMartina and Ammi Burke appeared before Mr Justice Brian Cregan. (gript.ie)
  • whatThe court said there had been shouting and interference with the proceedings during the hearing. (gript.ie)
  • whenThey were called to answer for their actions before the court the previous Friday. (gript.ie)
  • causeThe judge said the women's conduct at the hearing included repeated shouting, refusals to sit down and interruptions of an application. (rte.ie)
  • investigationMartina Burke and Ammi Burke were removed from the courtroom by gardaí at a hearing the previous Friday. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe High Court will rule next week on whether the mother and a sister of Enoch Burke should be jailed for contempt of court. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe judge decided to hold a contempt of court hearing in relation to Martina Burke and Ammi Burke. (rte.ie)
  • courtAmmi Burke said the judge's striking out of proceedings against the DAP was an appalling abuse of power. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe judge will give his ruling on the contempt issue the following Wednesday. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe judge is also due to rule on Enoch Burke's application to refer a perjury affidavit to the DPP. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe judge is considering their conduct as contempt in the face of the court. (gript.ie)
  • courtThe judge referred to shouting by Martina Burke and her refusal to sit down when instructed. (gript.ie)
  • courtThe judge said the interruption of counsel had forced the court to abandon the proceedings. (gript.ie)
  • sentenceThe women were warned they would face fines or imprisonment if found in contempt. (gript.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 25 Feb2026
    In courtgript.ie, first report
    Judgement on Burke women court conduct next week - Gript

    Reports the women's appearance before the High Court to answer for their conduct at the previous Friday's hearing, including the judge's comments and the warnings given to them.

    suspect, Martina Burke, female, named, irish (judged from name)Martina Burkesuspect, Ammi Burke, female, named, irish (judged from name)Ammi Burke
  2. 25 Feb2026
    In courtrte.ie, first report
    Ruling next week on whether Burkes in contempt of court

    Covers the High Court contempt hearing against Martina Burke and Ammi Burke, the judge's decision to hold it, and the ruling date. Ruling is due the following Wednesday.

    accused, Martina Burke, female, named, irish (judged from name)Martina Burkeaccused, Ammi Burke, female, named, irish (judged from name)Ammi Burke