Thursday 29 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 7577Contempt of court · Co. Westmeath

School seeks fresh High Court order to jail Enoch Burke for attending premises

The board of management of Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath is seeking the attachment and committal to prison of Enoch Burke, a male former teacher at the school, for alleged contempt of court over continued attendance at the school. Earlier, in a May judgment, the court awarded the school €15,000 damages for Mr Burke's continuing trespass at the campus in Multyfarnham, and the High Court had imposed a daily fine of €700 on him. Mr Burke was previously jailed in Mountjoy Prison for several months for failing to comply with a court order. On Tuesday, 5 September 2023, during a High Court vacation sitting, the board brought a fresh application, stating that Mr Burke has attended the school every day since late August. The judge allowed short notice to be served on Mr Burke, and the matter was adjourned to Friday's vacation sitting of the court.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court5 Sep
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The school board seeks attachment and committal of Enoch Burke, a male former teacher, over an alleged refusal to comply with a permanent injunction.
Where
The school is Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath, including its campus in Multyfarnham.
When
Mr Burke has attended the school every day since the new school year began in late August 2023.
Cause
The permanent injunction, granted by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, restrains Mr Burke from attending Wilson's Hospital unless the school authorities give express permission.
Charges
The alleged offence is contempt of court for refusing to comply with the permanent injunction.
In court
  • The application was brought during a High Court vacation sitting before Ms Justice Emily Egan.
  • The judge allowed the board to serve short notice of the application on Mr Burke and directed personal service.
  • The matter was adjourned to Friday's vacation sitting of the court.
Sentence
  • Mr Burke was previously jailed in Mountjoy Prison for several months after failing to comply with a court order.
  • The High Court previously imposed a daily fine of €700 on Mr Burke.
Other details
  • In a May judgment, the court awarded the school €15,000 damages for Mr Burke's continuing trespass at the campus.
  • Mr Burke was suspended from and later dismissed by the school, where he previously worked as a teacher.
  • Mr Burke claims the board's actions arise from his opposition to transgenderism and his Christian beliefs, but the board denies this.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatThe school board seeks attachment and committal of Mr Burke over an alleged refusal to comply with a permanent injunction. (irishtimes.com)
  • whereThe school is Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenMr Burke has attended the school every day since the new school year started in late August. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe application was brought during a vacation sitting of the High Court. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe judge allowed the board to serve short notice of the application on Mr Burke and directed personal service. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe matter was adjourned to Friday's vacation sitting of the court. (irishtimes.com)
  • sentenceThe High Court previously imposed a daily fine of €700 on Mr Burke. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherMr Burke claims the board’s actions arise from his opposition to transgenderism and his Christian beliefs; the board denies this. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherCounsel said Mr Burke's earlier failure to comply with a court order led to his incarceration in Mountjoy Prison for several months. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherIn a May judgment the court awarded the school €15,000 damages for Mr Burke's continuing trespass at the campus in Multyfarnham. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 5 Sep2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Enoch Burke’s former school seeks fresh court order that could see him jailed for attending premises

    Reports a new High Court application by the school board for attachment and committal of Enoch Burke over alleged continued attendance at the school, with background on earlier orders, fines and a prior imprisonment.

    suspect, Enoch Burke, named, irish (judged from name)Enoch Burke