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'Hell bent on getting the children': courageous childcare worker describes 'ferocious' knife attack on Dublin street

Summary

A childcare worker, Leanne Flynn, described a ferocious knife attack by Riad Bouchaker on a group of children in Dublin. Bouchaker, who is on trial for attempted murder and assault, allegedly stabbed a girl in the chest multiple times and threatened other children with a knife. Flynn intervened, grabbing Bouchaker from behind and pulling him away from the children. She was stabbed in the back during the struggle and later required emergency surgery for severe injuries, including a collapsed lung and a severed diaphragm. A Deliveroo driver, Ciao Benicio, struck Bouchaker with his helmet and punched him, helping to subdue him. The court heard that the attack was "ferocious" and that Bouchaker was "hell bent on getting the children." The trial continues with the accused denying all charges. The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, and the court has heard from multiple witnesses, including a nurse who described the horrifying nature of the knife used. Riad Bouchaker pleaded not guilty. Leanne Flynn pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Hell bent on getting the children': courageous childcare worker describes 'ferocious' knife attack on Dublin street. Charges or matters: all charges and his trial before a jury of nine men and three women is expected to last up to five weeks; attempting to murder three children, assault causing harm to Ms Flynn and with the assault of two other children and one adult. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 23rd 2023 Incident
• 2026-06-15 Publication

Why: She said her attention was drawn to a man standing at a bus stop because she noticed a vehicle pull away but he didn't get on it. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report