Dimitris Kouimtsidis
Guest Reporter
A teacher who was jailed after being embroiled in a trans row after refusing to call a boy a girl has been released from prison.
Irish teacher Enoch Burke has been released from prison after a judge ruled that his imprisonment for contempt of court was proving ineffective.
Justice David Nolan has instead imposed a daily fine of €1,400 (£1,100) on Burke for defying court orders to stay away from Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath.
Burke, who had been jailed for a third time in September over a transgender row, was freed after the judge determined the imprisonment did not have the "coercive effect desired".
The Evangelical Christian teacher had been imprisoned for breaching a High Court injunction banning him from the school grounds.
Burke's latest imprisonment marked his third time behind bars, having spent a total of 512 days in prison since September 2022.
His first jail term lasted 100 days before his release, followed by a second period of imprisonment during which he spent Christmas 2023 in custody until June this year.
A previous €700 (£550) daily fine imposed on Burke proved ineffective, as he never paid the penalties.
The school's lawyers had expressed concerns about the lack of mechanisms to collect the unpaid fines from Burke.
Despite his dismissal, Burke was reportedly still receiving his salary as of February, having been paid approximately €72,000 while on administrative leave.
During a chaotic hearing, Burke repeatedly talked over Justice David Nolan, who urged him to use the Christmas period to "reflect on his fruitless campaign".
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The judge criticised Burke for making "misguided and ridiculous arguments" in his defence when appearing in court.
Justice Nolan stated that Burke's talents as a teacher were being "entirely wasted".
When asked if he intended to return to the Westmeath school, Burke refused to give a clear yes or no answer.
As the order was passed, Burke told the court: "You will answer to God for imprisoning me for my religious beliefs."
Burke became embroiled in the controversy in May 2022 when he informed his headteacher that he "opposed transgenderism" due to his religious beliefs.
He refused to address a transitioning student by their new name and 'they' pronouns, publicly criticising the school's request to do so.
The teacher was subsequently sacked from Wilson's Hospital School for gross misconduct in January 2023.
Last year, Judge Owens upheld the school's decision to suspend Burke, citing his challenging behaviour towards the principal during a staff meeting, chapel service and dinner.
Burke insisted he did not force his beliefs on anyone, claiming instead that transgender ideology was being "forced" on him.
Under the new ruling, if Burke breaches the injunction when the school reopens in January, the court will involve the Attorney General and Department of Finance.
The judge specified they would need to determine a mechanism to directly use Burke's salary to pay the daily €1,400 fine.
Justice Michael Quinn had previously noted there was an "urgent requirement" to address the difficulties Wilson's Hospital School was experiencing due to Burke's presence.
The judge stated Burke was disrupting day-to-day activities and duties performed by teachers and staff at the school.
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Irish teacher Enoch Burke has been released from prison after a judge ruled that his imprisonment for contempt of court was proving ineffective.
Justice David Nolan has instead imposed a daily fine of €1,400 (£1,100) on Burke for defying court orders to stay away from Wilson's Hospital School in County Westmeath.
Burke, who had been jailed for a third time in September over a transgender row, was freed after the judge determined the imprisonment did not have the "coercive effect desired".
The Evangelical Christian teacher had been imprisoned for breaching a High Court injunction banning him from the school grounds.
Burke's latest imprisonment marked his third time behind bars, having spent a total of 512 days in prison since September 2022.
His first jail term lasted 100 days before his release, followed by a second period of imprisonment during which he spent Christmas 2023 in custody until June this year.
A previous €700 (£550) daily fine imposed on Burke proved ineffective, as he never paid the penalties.
The school's lawyers had expressed concerns about the lack of mechanisms to collect the unpaid fines from Burke.
Despite his dismissal, Burke was reportedly still receiving his salary as of February, having been paid approximately €72,000 while on administrative leave.
During a chaotic hearing, Burke repeatedly talked over Justice David Nolan, who urged him to use the Christmas period to "reflect on his fruitless campaign".
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The judge criticised Burke for making "misguided and ridiculous arguments" in his defence when appearing in court.
Justice Nolan stated that Burke's talents as a teacher were being "entirely wasted".
When asked if he intended to return to the Westmeath school, Burke refused to give a clear yes or no answer.
As the order was passed, Burke told the court: "You will answer to God for imprisoning me for my religious beliefs."
Burke became embroiled in the controversy in May 2022 when he informed his headteacher that he "opposed transgenderism" due to his religious beliefs.
He refused to address a transitioning student by their new name and 'they' pronouns, publicly criticising the school's request to do so.
The teacher was subsequently sacked from Wilson's Hospital School for gross misconduct in January 2023.
Last year, Judge Owens upheld the school's decision to suspend Burke, citing his challenging behaviour towards the principal during a staff meeting, chapel service and dinner.
Burke insisted he did not force his beliefs on anyone, claiming instead that transgender ideology was being "forced" on him.
Under the new ruling, if Burke breaches the injunction when the school reopens in January, the court will involve the Attorney General and Department of Finance.
The judge specified they would need to determine a mechanism to directly use Burke's salary to pay the daily €1,400 fine.
Justice Michael Quinn had previously noted there was an "urgent requirement" to address the difficulties Wilson's Hospital School was experiencing due to Burke's presence.
The judge stated Burke was disrupting day-to-day activities and duties performed by teachers and staff at the school.
Find Out More...