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

Summary

In a High Court appeal hearing, Mr Justice Alexander Owens excluded Enoch Burke from the courtroom after finding him in contempt of court for repeatedly interrupting proceedings. The dispute concerns Wilson's Hospital School's claim that it was entitled to suspend Burke following his objections to a school direction regarding a student's transition. Burke alleges the suspension is unlawful and breaches his religious freedom, while the school maintains the issue is unrelated to his beliefs. The judge dismissed Burke's claims that documents were tampered with, noting no formal application was made. Burke was directed to view proceedings via video-link and must provide an undertaking to comply with court rules before re-entering the room. He refused this condition, and his family left the courtroom. The school's counsel formally opened its case, detailing disciplinary actions arising from Burke's behavior during a religious service and his refusal to discuss the student direction. The hearing continues with witness evidence, and it remains unknown if Burke will return to the courtroom. This follows a Court of Appeal rejection of his appeal against injunctions, which he has since requested be overturned.

Who, what, where, when and why

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

When:

• November 21 Other
• May 2022 Other
• 2023-03-28 Publication

Why: The direction it issued regarding the student who wishes to transition was made in order to aid that student's education and personal development while they attended the school. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

Read the original CNI report