Anti-Trans Teacher Arrested in Dramatic Police Encounter

A dramatic police encounter in County Westmeath has led to the arrest of teacher Enoch Burke for the fifth time due to contempt of court. The High Court judge ordered Burke to return to Mountjoy Prison immediately after he breached a court order that prohibited his presence at Wilson’s Hospital School.

Incident Details

On Monday morning, Burke was apprehended at the school after arriving there despite being instructed not to return. His release from Mountjoy Prison occurred just a week prior, as he was preparing for a legal challenge regarding his dismissal. That release was contingent upon him not returning to the school grounds.

Court Proceedings

During a court hearing, barrister Rosemary Mallon, representing the school’s board of management, expressed concerns over Burke’s repeated presence at the institution. She described it as having “unprecedented and significant impact on the work of the school.”

• Judge Brian Cregan highlighted Burke’s flagrant disregard for the order, stating, “You have been dismissed. It is not your place of work.”
• Burke’s actions led to his arrest while he awaited potential entry into the school, which was impeded by a security guard.

Ongoing Legal Battle

The legal issues surrounding Burke stem from a request made by the school’s then-principal in 2022. This request asked that a student be addressed by their chosen name and pronoun, a directive Burke, a devout Evangelical Christian, argued was unconstitutional and conflicted with his religious beliefs.

The court has previously granted injunctive relief, which restrains Burke from attending the school. Despite this, he defied the order and was subsequently fined over €225,000 (approximately $390,000) and has served 550 days in custody for similar breaches.

Aftermath of Arrest

Following his confrontation with the gardaí, Burke was transported to a police vehicle while protesting against his arrest, insisting the situation revolved around “transgenderism.” His brother filmed the scene as Burke was taken into custody.

Burke’s legal troubles continue to evolve as he faces significant backlash for his actions and the implications of his beliefs in a rapidly changing social environment.