High Court narrows arrest order for former Wilson’s Hospital teacher

Enoch Burke will only be arrested if he returns to Wilson’s Hospital School, after a High Court judge narrowed the order for his imprisonment.

Mr Justice Brian Cregan amended the existing attachment and committal order on Thursday, noting that Burke has not attended the Co Westmeath school since the order was made two weeks ago.

The judge also ordered Burke to pay €30,000 in fines for trespassing since August and to submit a statement of his financial affairs within 21 days.

Burke was dismissed from his teaching post in May for gross misconduct following a confrontation with former principal Niamh McShane over the use of a student’s new name and pronouns at a religious event in June 2022. He maintains the dismissal was invalid and is seeking reinstatement through the courts.

Gardaí in Castlebar, Mullingar and Dublin’s Bridewell have been informed of the revised orders. Counsel for the school’s board said the new provision – arrest only if Burke appears within 100 metres of the school – is the “best solution” for all parties.

The total fines owed by Burke now exceed €238,000. The judge also indicated a possible appointment of a receiver to sequester a car used for travel to the school, pending further instructions.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Antonio Friedemann / Pexels.