Enoch Burke Jailed Again as Court Orders Defied in Ongoing School Standoff
Once again, this case has reached a breaking point inside Ireland’s High Court, as teacher Enoch Burke has been sent back to prison for breaching a clear court order not to return to the school where he was dismissed.
Burke was arrested outside Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath after repeatedly appearing at the premises, despite a binding legal order barring him from trespassing there. This happened just days after his release from Mountjoy Prison, where he had already served time for earlier breaches connected to the same dispute. The High Court moved swiftly and by midday, Burke was back in custody.
At the center of this case is a long-running conflict that began several years ago. Burke, an evangelical Christian teacher, was dismissed after refusing to address a transgender student by their preferred pronouns. He argues that doing so violates his religious beliefs and constitutional rights. The school, however, maintains that it has a legal duty to provide a safe and respectful environment for students and staff and that Burke has repeatedly ignored lawful court orders.
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The court heard that following his release, Burke returned to the school on multiple mornings. Although a security guard prevented him from entering the building, he remained inside the school boundary. According to the school principal, this created safety concerns, disrupted daily routines and led to complaints from parents and staff. Gardaà were called on more than one occasion as tensions rose.
Inside the courtroom, Burke insisted he was not in contempt and accused the courts of acting in coordination with the government to deny his rights. The judge rejected that claim outright, calling it unfounded and stating plainly that Burke had once again breached the order in a flagrant way. With that, the judge ordered his immediate return to prison.
This case matters far beyond one school or one teacher. It sits at the intersection of religious freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, workplace law and the authority of the courts. Supporters of Burke see him as standing firm on principle. Critics argue that no individual is above the law and that repeated defiance of court orders undermines the justice system itself.
The consequences are clear. Each breach strengthens the court’s response and each return to prison deepens the legal and social divide surrounding this case. As appeals continue and tensions remain high, the outcome could influence how similar disputes are handled in Ireland and beyond.
This is a developing story with serious legal and cultural implications and we will continue to follow every key decision and courtroom move. Stay with us for verified updates and deeper context as this situation unfolds.
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