Enoch Burke in 'self-praise that beggars belief' judge finds, as school can enforce fine from next week

The High Court has ordered Enoch Burke to pay Wilson's Hospital School's legal costs arising from two pre-trial motions in their ongoing dispute. Mr Justice Brian O'Moore awarded the school its costs for contempt proceedings initiated after Mr Burke resumed attending the school premises in January, contrary to an injunction issued in September. The judge also ruled against Mr Burke's unsuccessful application to stay the full hearing pending a Court of Appeal decision on his appeal against the injunctions. Mr Justice O'Moore remarked that Mr Burke's assertion of proper conduct throughout proceedings was "self-praise that beggars belief", noting his non-compliance with court orders over six months and his disruption of chancery court sittings. The €700 daily fine imposed for ongoing contempt remains in place, currently exceeding €30,000. From 23 March, the school may pursue enforcement measures including asset sequestration. The full hearing is scheduled for later in March. Mr Burke, a teacher from County Mayo, was suspended following objections to a student's preferred name and pronouns.