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Not guilty of any offence a 'theoretical option' on attempted murder charges, judge tells Bouchaker jury

Summary

Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of three counts of attempting to murder children, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager. The alleged offences occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Mr Bouchaker is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. During his charge to the jury of nine men and three women, Mr Justice Tony Hunt outlined the verdict options. Regarding the first charge, which alleges an attempt to murder a five-year-old girl who suffered a stab wound to the heart resulting in severe brain damage, the judge stated that if the jury is not satisfied of an intent to kill, they may find him guilty of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. He described a finding of not guilty of any criminal endeavour as a "theoretical option" that was not strongly argued by the defence. For the second and third attempted murder charges, the judge noted that if the prosecution fails to prove its case, the jury could find Mr Bouchaker guilty of assault causing harm, while again characterizing a not guilty verdict as a theoretical possibility. The judge informed the jury that they would begin their deliberations that afternoon. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Not guilty of any offence a 'theoretical option' on attempted murder charges, judge tells Bouchaker jury. Charges or matters: three counts of attempting to murder children, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn and assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager; the three attempted murders, assaults causing harm and causing serious harm to Ms Flynn at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023; all charges. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• November 23rd, 2023 Other
• 2026-06-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report