Enoch Burke - DISMISSED

Mr Justice O'Moore said in his ruling, which was delivered electronically that "it was difficult to avoid the conclusion that Mr Burke was exploiting his imprisonment for his own ends."

This the judge said was a reason why Mr Burke had taken such "an unreal view of what orders from the High Court actually mean."

It would explain why he resisted an early trial which could have seen him free now, or on the cusp of freedom, the judge said.

It would also explain why after 100 days in prison Mr Burke had rejected a proposal made to him earlier this week by Mr Justice Conor Dignam that could have led to his immediate release, Mr Justice O'Moore said.

The purpose of jailing somebody for contempt is to coerce an individual to obey a court order. This while unattractive, is true, the judge said.

"This purpose was turned on its head when the person concerned is prepared to endure the undoubted discomforts of being imprisoned to obtain some greater benefit, as they see it." he said.

"The only plausible interpretation of Mr Burke's actions is that he sees some advantage in his continuing imprisonment, otherwise he would have either avoided his jailing or taken the opportunity to bring it to an end."