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Judge to rule next month on alleged Parnell Square attacker's fitness to stand trial
Summary
A judge is set to rule next month on whether Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is fit to stand trial. Mr Justice Tony Hunt has heard evidence from two psychiatrists, who differ on whether Mr Bouchaker (51) has the cognitive ability to instruct his legal team, enter a plea, and engage in the trial process. A prosecution psychiatrist stated that despite Mr Bouchaker's serious neurocognitive disorder, he can be accommodated at trial with appropriate measures. However, a defence psychiatrist argued that Mr Bouchaker is "utterly cognitively incapable" of understanding the trial process. The judge has ordered that legal representatives for the accused and the identities of the doctors giving evidence are not to be named in media reports. Mr Bouchaker is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker. The incident occurred at Parnell Square East on the afternoon of November 23, 2023.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge to rule next month on alleged Parnell Square attacker's fitness 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 serious offence, knows the difference between right and wrong, and is capable of entering a plea and instructing his solicitors; 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:
- February 3 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 20 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 23, 2023 Incident
- December 18 Incident
- November 23 Incident
- 2026-01-20 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: a serious offence, knows the difference between right and wrong, and is capable of entering a plea and instructing his solicitors; the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker (Alleged Or Contested)
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 serious offence, knows the difference between right and wrong, and is capable of entering a plea and instructing his solicitors; the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker (Alleged Or Contested)
Places mentioned
- Parnell Square
- Central Criminal Court
- Parnell Square
Topics
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