Mr Burke was brought before Mr Justice Brian Cregan on Monday hours after gardaí arrested him at Wilson’s Hospital School. The judge found Mr Burke to be in contempt of court, and ordered his immediate committal to Mountjoy. His release was ordered despite Mr Burke informing the judge that he would return to the school the following morning. Mr Burke has repeatedly claimed his jailing arises from his views on transgender issues, and that his religious and constitutional rights have been breached. Mr Burke said that at last week’s hearing, following the judge’s ordering his release from prison, he told the judge “exactly what [his] intentions were”.

Source: Irish Examiner January 19, 2026 15:10 UTC