Enoch Burke returns to Wilson’s Hospital School

Teacher Enoch Burke returned to Wilson’s Hospital School in Co Westmeath on Thursday despite a previous court order prohibiting him from doing so.

Burke had refused to use the new gender pronouns of a pupil at the school and a dispute arose between him and the principal leading to him being barred from the premises. He refused to obey this and was held in contempt of court.

The teacher was released from prison in late December on an “open-ended” basis. In the High Court, Mr Justice Brian O’Moore made it clear that if Mr Burke breached any existing court orders made against him, he may again be jailed.

A statement from An Garda Síochána said it was “aware” of the matter, but as it referred to a civil order, An Garda Síochána “has no role at this time”.

“The role of An Garda Síochána is to ensure peace and public order is maintained, and no criminal offence is committed,” a spokesman said.