Courts / Ireland / Report
Judge to rule on whether Enoch Burke should be temporarily released for Christmas
Summary
The High Court is set to rule on whether jailed teacher Enoch Burke should be granted temporary release for the Christmas period. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore indicated a decision would be issued either Wednesday or Thursday after hearing submissions from Mr Burke and his employer, Wilson's Hospital School in Co Westmeath. Mr Burke, who has been detained in Mountjoy Prison for three and a half months for failing to obey a court order to stay away from the school, refused the opportunity for release, arguing it would imply his incarceration was lawful. He alleged his imprisonment stems from religious objections to transgenderism following a request to refer to a male student as 'they'. He also criticized the court's timeline regarding his bid to stay the main hearing, which he wishes to appeal to the Court of Appeal. Mr Justice O'Moore rejected these criticisms, noting he has a full caseload and will deliver a full decision on the stay application in January. Counsel for the school, Rosemary Mallon BL, stated the school sought the committal as a coercive measure due to non-compliance with paid suspension terms. They expressed concern about potential disruption if Mr Burke were released before the school reopens on January 5, though they confirmed he remains in receipt of full pay from the Department of Education. The matter remains pending the judge's imminent ruling on the temporary release application.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge to rule on whether Enoch Burke should be temporarily released for Christmas. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 5th Hearing Or Sentence
- Christmas Other
- 2022-12-21 Publication
Why: Mr Burke was offered the opportunity to make submissions to the court on the proposition that he be released for Christmas, because the school at the centre of the dispute is closed for the holidays. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Outcome: PIC: Collins Courts) by Aodhan O'Faolain The High Court will rule either later today or tomorrow on whether to issue temporary release to jailed teacher Enoch Burke over the Christmas period. He again said that he has been jailed over his religious objections to transgenderism following the school's request last May that he refer to a male student as a 'they'.
Places mentioned
- Aodhan O'Faolain The High Court
- Court of Appeal
- High Court
- Wilson's Hospital
- Mountjoy Prison
Topics
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