Courts / Dublin / Report

Trial of alleged Parnell Square attacker to be given priority

Date
2025-05-28
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

The Central Criminal Court has ordered that the trial of Riad Bouchaker, aged 50, be prioritised because some of the alleged victims are children. Bouchaker faces charges of attempting to murder two girls and a boy, assault causing serious harm to a care worker, and possession or production of a knife. The case arose from an incident on 23 November 2023 at Parnell Square, Dublin, where Bouchaker allegedly assaulted a care worker and attempted to kill three children. Lawyers for Bouchaker have informed Judge Paul McDermott that they are awaiting a psychiatric report. The psychiatrist, who had requested a neuropsychologist's report, has received it and will complete her assessment within three weeks. Judge McDermott has urged all parties to expedite the matter, noting that the trial will be revisited on 15 June. The Department of Justice has introduced a protocol to fast‑track trials involving children, aiming to conclude the process within one year where possible.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Trial of alleged Parnell Square attacker to be given priority. Charges or matters: assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children at Parnell Square in Dublin, must be given priority due to the youth of some of the alleged victims, a judge has said; the attempted murder of two girls and one boy. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Case subjects

Parnell Square

Defendant

Charges: the attempted murder of two girls and one boy (Alleged Or Contested)

Riad Bouchaker

Accused

Charges: assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children at Parnell Square in Dublin, must be given priority due to the youth of some of the alleged victims, a judge has said; the attempted murder of two girls and one boy (Alleged Or Contested)

Places mentioned

Address Area
  • Parnell Square
Secondary Mention
Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
  • The Central Criminal Court
Incident
  • Parnell Square

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

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