Courts / Dublin / Report

Child stabbed on Parnell Square left needing life-long, full-time care, jury told

Summary

Riad Bouchaker, 52, is currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have committed the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. He is further charged with assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution has called all its witnesses and will formally close its case next week. Evidence presented includes testimony from Dr Louise Baker, who stated that one of the alleged victims, a girl who was five at the time of the incident, suffered a knife wound to her heart resulting in a 40-minute cardiac arrest. Dr Baker told the jury the girl now requires 24-hour care for life, has no control over her limbs, and is at risk of scoliosis and muscular spasms. Dr Aoife Mahony confirmed the girl suffers from a severe neurological disorder and dystonia. Professor Ann Brannigan testified that Ms Flynn suffered a major stab wound to her lower back, requiring the removal of her spleen and repair of her stomach. The matter is not concluded; the trial is ongoing, with the next phase scheduled for next week.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Child stabbed on Parnell Square left needing life-long, full-time care, jury told. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023; all charges. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 23, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• January 2024 Other
• December 20 Incident
• November 23rd, 2023 Incident
• 2026-06-25 Publication

Why: She is now being fed through a tube into her stomach because she cannot swallow safely on her own. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report