Enoch Burke, the former Wilson’s Hospital School teacher from County Westmeath, is facing a grim festive season behind bars. The High Court slammed the door shut on his release bid, with Mr Justice Brian Cregan ruling Burke’s refusal to promise not to trespass means he’ll stay locked up over Christmas.
Since his arrest near the school in late November for breaking a 2022 court injunction, Burke has remained in Mountjoy Prison. The judge has set the next review for 3rd March 2026, ensuring Burke’s Christmas and New Year will be spent in custody.
Contempt Standoff: Burke’s Defiance Lands Him Back in Court
This is Burke’s fourth stint behind bars for contempt, following a fiery clash that began back in August 2022. The row kicked off when he was suspended and then sacked for refusing to call a transgender student by their preferred name and pronouns — citing his Christian beliefs.
Burke has now spent over 500 days in prison over multiple contempt charges linked to his refusal to comply with court orders banning him from the school premises.
Judge Slams Religious Persecution Claims: “It’s About Trespassing, Not Beliefs”
“Mr Burke is being imprisoned because he is trespassing on other people’s property. No more. No less,”
Justice Cregan shot down Burke’s argument that he’s a victim of religious persecution. The judge said the case is strictly about property rights and obeying court orders, not Burke’s Christian convictions.
The judge branded Burke’s actions a “fanatical campaign” and a “deliberate, sustained and concerted attack” on the rule of law, reflecting deep frustration with his ongoing defiance. The court even warned Burke’s family it won’t tolerate disruptions during proceedings, threatening removal or restrictions on their attendance.
Legal Showdown Continues: Salary Redirected, Vehicles Could Be Seized
A fresh hearing is set for 13th December in Athlone to revisit Burke’s dismissal, with an appeals panel examining how the school handled his firing.
Meanwhile, the court ordered his salary—which has bizarrely kept coming despite his sacking—to be diverted to cover £11,500 (€15,000) in damages owed to the school. There’s also talk of seizing the family’s vehicles, linked to earlier trespassing, as part of cracking down on the ongoing contempt.
Burke’s packed courtroom support includes siblings Isaac and Ammi, both embroiled in their own legal fights over discrimination claims. This family-wide saga is creating a tangled web of court battles attracting intense scrutiny.
Clash Over Rights, Religion & Authority
This high-profile case has sparked fierce debate around free speech, religious freedom, and the power of Irish courts. While supporters say Burke is punished for his faith, officials insist the row is about following legal orders and protecting school policies, especially around transgender rights.
The school stands firm that its policies comply with equality laws, blaming Burke’s refusal to cooperate for the employment breakdown.
With over 500 days served and no sign of backing down, Burke’s Christmas lock-in could be just the start. Unless he finally agrees to stay off school grounds, he looks set to haunt Mountjoy’s cells deep into 2026.
