Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge calls for resources to advance Parnell Square attempted murder case

Date
2025-07-23
Stage
Charge Or Pretrial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 23 July 2025, Mr Justice Paul McDermott urged that additional resources be allocated to the case of Riad Bouchaker, 51, who is charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square. The prosecution noted that the defence had supplied a psychiatric report on Bouchaker, while the prosecution is preparing its own report due by mid‑October. The judge highlighted "serious difficulties" caused by delays, including the need for further neuropsychological work, delays in accessing the defendant in prison, and interpreter availability. He set the next hearing for 22 October and called on all parties—lawyers, psychiatrists, and other professionals—to expedite the case once the psychiatric issues are resolved. The court reiterated its commitment to fast‑track trials involving children, aiming to complete the process within one year where possible.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge calls for resources to advance Parnell Square attempted murder case. Charges or matters: assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin; the attempted murder of two girls and one boy. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

Case subjects

Paul McDermott

Accused

Charges: assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin; 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 on Parnell Square in Dublin; 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
Incident
  • Parnell Square

Topics

Stage Charge Or Pretrial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request