Enoch Burke pleads with court to 'free me for Christmas' despite refusal to purge contempt

Teacher told court he was 'not a thief, a murderer or a drug dealer' and was behind bars because of his religious beliefs

Enoch Burke said as the time of the year when the birth of Christ is celebrated by most of the world, he should be released, adding: 'I am in prison for my religious beliefs.' File picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Jailed teacher Enoch Burke is likely to remain behind bars for Christmas.

This is despite his plea to a High Court judge on Tuesday that he had never been in trouble with the law. He pleaded with the court to use its discretion to "free me for Christmas".