The Daily Star Ireland
The High Court has ruled that school teacher Enoch Burke be released from prison, where he has been held since September 2 for contempt of court. However, the judge emphasized that Burke would face a daily fine of €1,400 if he disobeys an order to stay away from Wilson’s Hospital School in County Westmeath, where he previously worked. Additionally, the court has instructed representatives from the Attorney General or Department of Finance to attend a hearing next month to discuss how Burke’s salary can be used to settle the €193,000 in fines he owes for his contempt.
Judge David Nolan expressed concern that Burke was acting under the influence of others, exploiting his imprisonment for personal gain and presenting himself as a martyr. The case had been brought before the court multiple times, with 41 High Court orders and no payment made toward fines or costs. The judge stressed that Burke’s refusal to comply with court orders was a serious issue, highlighting that the legal system’s actions were necessary for the greater good of society.
Burke, who has been receiving his full pay as a secondary school teacher while appealing his dismissal, was incarcerated due to his decision to attend the school against court orders. The judge criticized Burke’s argument that his religious beliefs conflicted with the court’s orders, calling it misguided. Judge Nolan also pointed out that Burke’s imprisonment was self-imposed, as he chose not to comply with the court’s directions.
In a final message, the judge urged Burke to reflect on his actions and end what he described as a “fruitless campaign of contempt.” He granted Burke his release, giving him the chance to be free for Christmas, but warned that continued defiance would not be tolerated. Burke was immediately released from custody, accompanied by his family.
In a separate incident, Burke’s father, Sean, had been jailed earlier in the week for assaulting a garda during a hearing in the Court of Appeal in March 2023.
