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Enoch Burke sacked for harassing colleague, breaching student's confidence, High Court told

Summary

The High Court heard evidence on the third day of an action brought by Wilson's Hospital School against Enoch Burke, who was dismissed for allegedly intimidating a colleague and breaching a student's confidence. The school seeks a permanent order directing Burke to stay away from the premises. Evidence from staff member Freda Malone and Deputy Principal John Galligan detailed Burke's conduct during board meetings and school events, including allegations that he shouted over colleagues and publicly opposed the school's direction to use a student's preferred name and pronouns. The court noted that following Burke's refusal to leave the school premises during his suspension, High Court injunction proceedings were brought, which ultimately resulted in Burke being jailed for contempt of court. Burke, who denies wrongdoing, has brought a counterclaim arguing the disciplinary proceedings were unlawful. He was excluded from the courtroom by Justice Alexander Owens for interrupting the proceedings and failing to comply with rulings regarding documents. The judge stated Burke could return if he undertook to comply with court rules. The matter is currently at the sentence stage regarding the injunction, with the broader case expected to conclude on Friday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Enoch Burke sacked for harassing colleague, breaching student's confidence, High Court told. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 2022 Incident
• May 2022 Other
• 2023-03-30 Publication

Why: Photo: Collins) Enoch Burke was dismissed from his teaching position at Wilson's Hospital School because he had intimidated and harassed a colleague and had breached the confidence of a student in the school who wished to transition, the High Court has heard. CNI source report

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Read the original CNI report