Courts / Ireland / Report
'Blandly cheerful' - what the jury didn't hear about Riad Bouchaker
Summary
During the trial of Riad Bouchaker, his lawyers argued that the judge should direct a not guilty verdict on two of the attempted murder charges. However, Mr Justice Tony Hunt rejected the application, stating there was sufficient evidence for the jury to reach a safe guilty verdict. The defence did not seek an acquittal for the girl who suffered the most serious injuries but argued that there was a lack of evidence regarding the other girl and the boy. The judge said the jury could reasonably infer that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing the use of a knife towards a small child and the persistence of his actions. He also noted that the boy's injury was likely caused by Bouchaker. The judge agreed to introduce alternative verdicts on the attempted murder charges, allowing the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on attempted murder but guilty of causing serious harm.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Blandly cheerful' - what the jury didn't hear about Riad Bouchaker. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- 2026-07-01 Publication
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
Topics
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