'What will we do with you?': Enoch Burke excluded from hearing after judge notes he'd 'test the patience of Job'

A High Court judge has excluded teacher Enoch Burke from the courtroom during the full hearing of his dispute with Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath, finding him in contempt of court for repeated interruptions. Mr Justice Alexander Owens ruled that Mr Burke may observe proceedings by video-link after the teacher refused to undertake compliance with court rules. The school alleges it was entitled to suspend Mr Burke over his objection to a direction regarding a student's preferred name and pronoun. Mr Burke contends the suspension was unlawful and infringes his right to freedom of religious expression. The school denies the case concerns his religious beliefs. Prior to exclusion, Mr Burke disputed the discovery of documents, claiming tampering, which the judge rejected. Mr Burke was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing and remains subject to a daily fine of €700 for breaching injunctions. The hearing continues with school witnesses providing evidence. Mr Burke may return to court if he agrees to comply with court procedures.