A High Court judge has ruled that teacher Enoch Burke return to prison after breaching his court order to stay away from Wilson’s Hospital School.
In a ruling late last night, Mr Justice Mark Heslin said Mr Burke has refused to follow his court order to not appear on the school’s ground and will be imprisoned “indefinitely”.
Mr Burke was dismissed from Wilson's Hospital School for alleged misconduct last year, but has frequently stood outside the school in protest.
He was jailed previously for repeatedly appearing at the school despite a court order banning him from the grounds.
Mr Burke was released after three months on the condition he does go to the grounds again.
Sunday Times Columnist Brenda Power told The Anton Savage Show the judge had no choice but to order Mr Burke to be imprisoned once again.
“This is one of a very limited range of blunt instruments available if someone refuses to observe court order and pay whatever fine,” she said.
'Exhausted all options'
Mediahuis Group Head of News Kevin Doyle said Wilson’s Hospital School “exhausted all their options” when it comes to Mr Burke, and it was causing a strain on staff.
“They had discussed things like hiring private security, to keep them off the grounds of the hospital,” she said.
“Ultimately, the Board of Management decided that they didn't want to turn their school into the type of place that has to have private security at the gates.”
He said Mr Burke used “colourful” language when he returned to court to defend himself.
“Burke late last night made his case claiming that the court case taking place was ‘manifestly diabolical’,” he said.
“[He] claimed that the court was dipping its hands in blood.
A direct quote from Mr Burke reads: “You have to decide about a hanging or a shooting, all because a teacher said he would not deny his conscience and encourage young people down the destructive path of transgenderism.”
“He’s nothing if not linguistically flamboyant,” host Anton Savage said.
Enoch Burke leaving Wilson's Hospital School, 27/01/2023. Image: Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ieMs Power said she found the case “troubling” and questioned what kind of “threat” Mr Burke poses by standing in front of the school.
“He's been described as frightening and menacing and threatening,” she said.
“But we’ve seen the pictures of him standing there with a satchel.”
She explained Mr Burke claimed students in the school have supported him, asking him for autographs and selfies.
Mr Doyle suggested teenagers might not be interacting with Mr Burke because they actively support him.
“If you were 17 or 18 and you're in school and there was this circus going on around you and this guy is there... you know we all got our shirts signed on the last days of school,” he said.
“I can see how the students would do that.”
Listen back here:
