Enoch Burke’s suspension from Wilson’s Hospital School was lawful, the High Court has ruled. 

After being held in contempt on the first day of this High Court hearing back in March, Mr Burke was told to leave the courtroom.

By refusing to purge his contempt, he was not allowed back in.

In his absence, Mr Justice Alex Owens heard evidence of Mr Burke’s behaviour after his principal sent out an email in relation to a student’s wish to transition.

He heard allegations of Mr Burke “exploding” at a staff meeting and disrupting a celebratory mass at the school with students present.

Enoch Burke (centre) entering the High Court in Dublin on February 16th 2023. Picture by: Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie

The Board of Management later decided to suspend him on full pay and it sought a declaration from the High Court that its decision to do so was above board.

In his judgement this evening, Mr Justice Owens has fully vindicated the school’s decision.

He also awarded €15,000 in damages against Mr Burke for trespass at the school, and on top of that, he said he was of the view that Mr Burke should pick up their legal bill.

Main image: Enoch Burke leaving the High Court Dublin.