Courts / Dublin / Report

State's psychiatrist says alleged Parnell Square attacker is fit to stand trial

Date
2026-01-19

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is deemed fit to stand trial by a State psychiatrist, despite suffering from a serious neurocognitive disorder. The psychiatrist stated that Bouchaker can understand the charges against him and can participate in the trial process, although he may require closed questions and an interpreter. The defense psychiatrist, however, argued that Bouchaker is unfit to stand trial due to his memory issues and inability to weigh choices. The court is assessing Bouchaker's fitness to stand trial, with the State psychiatrist concluding that he is capable of understanding the legal process. The case involves serious charges, including attempted murder and assault, and the court will continue to hear evidence on the matter.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: State's psychiatrist says alleged Parnell Square attacker is fit to stand trial. Charges or matters: assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is fit to enter a plea and stand trial, a consultant forensic psychiatrist for the State has told a hearing at the Central Criminal Court; the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker. Procedural stage: trial

When:

December 18 Incident
November 23 Incident
November 23, 2023 Incident
Christmas Other
2026-01-19 Publication

Why: She said that because of his extensive brain damage, the accused man was not a reliable historian and added in pieces of information. CNI source report

Case subjects

Parnell Square

Accused

Charges: the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter to tomorrow, when the State's psychiatrist will continue giving evidence.

Riad Bouchaker

Accused

Charges: assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is fit to enter a plea and stand trial, a consultant forensic psychiatrist for the State has told a hearing at the Central Criminal Court; the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter to tomorrow, when the State's psychiatrist will continue giving evidence.