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'Vengeance has no place here': jury in Riad Bouchaker trial told they can return alternative verdicts

Summary

The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023, has reached the closing submissions stage. Bouchaker, of no fixed address, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which also include assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution, led by Karl Finnegan SC, argued that the evidence proves beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing his use of a 36cm carving knife and repeated targeting of children's upper bodies. Conversely, the defence urged the jury to consider alternative verdicts, asserting that the prosecution failed to meet the high threshold for attempted murder. Counsel highlighted that one boy suffered only a minor laceration and another girl an 8cm scalp wound, suggesting the intent was to cause harm rather than kill. The defence also noted Bouchaker's cognitive issues following 2021 brain surgery, though psychiatrists ruled out an insanity defence. The jury, comprising nine men and three women, has been informed they may return alternative verdicts, such as causing serious harm or assault causing harm, if they find the evidence insufficient for attempted murder. The matter remains before the court for deliberation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Vengeance has no place here': jury in Riad Bouchaker trial told they can return alternative verdicts. Charges or matters: the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023; all charges. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 23rd, 2023 Incident
• 2026-06-29 Publication

Why: That nobody died, Mr Finnegan said, is because Leanne Flynn put herself between the children and the knife, suffering a stab wound to her back that left her with serious injuries. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report