The Police Service of Northern Ireland is investigating a report of assault following an incident at a cathedral involving former teacher Enoch Burke and the head of the Church of Ireland. A video posted on social media shows Burke confronting and grabbing the arm of Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland John McDowell at St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral on Thursday. According to BBC News, the PSNI confirmed it was investigating the allegation and said police enquiries are ongoing.
Burke has been embroiled in a protracted legal dispute stemming from his dismissal from Wilson's Hospital School for gross misconduct. His refusal to use the pronouns preferred by a transgender student led to his termination, and he has since defied multiple court orders requiring him to stay away from the school premises.
What does the video show?
In the footage, Burke, accompanied by another man, approaches McDowell and takes hold of his arm. The Archbishop responds by telling Burke he is "assaulting" him and "preventing me from going about my lawful business." McDowell warns Burke that if the conduct continues, he will report the matter to police. Burke accuses the Archbishop of remaining "silent" after Burke states he spent "700 days" in what he describes as a "prison cell." A church member present at the scene reminds Burke that the confrontation is taking place "in the grounds of a cathedral at a funeral."
What is Burke's legal history?
Burke's case has escalated significantly in recent months. On October 15, the High Court ordered Burke's arrest and immediate committal to Mountjoy Prison over 18 alleged breaches of the school trespass order, with the judge describing the conduct as "deliberate and flagrant contempt of court." The court subsequently imposed a further €30,000 in fines, bringing Burke's outstanding fines to €238,268.18, and ordered him to file details of his income, expenses, assets and liabilities within 21 days.
On October 29, the High Court narrowed the arrest-and-committal order, ruling that Burke can be arrested under it only if he returns to Wilson's Hospital School or comes within 100 metres of it. This modification came at a hearing where the court adjourned the matter for one week.
What happens next?
The High Court has scheduled a further hearing for one week following the October 29 session. The Diocese of Armagh has been contacted for comment on the incident.
