DUBLIN — A jury at Ireland's Central Criminal Court on Wednesday found a 52-year-old man guilty of attempting to murder three young children during a knife attack outside a school in central Dublin in 2023, concluding a trial over an assault that shocked the country and was followed by riots in the capital.
Riad Bouchaker, who has no fixed address, was convicted on all eight charges he faced after jurors deliberated for about five hours over two days. The verdicts included three counts of attempted murder involving two girls and one boy, assault causing serious harm to childcare worker Leanne Flynn, three counts of assault causing harm to other victims, and producing a kitchen knife in a manner likely to intimidate, according to court proceedings.
The charges arose from an attack on Nov. 23, 2023, at Parnell Square East in Dublin, where several children were being escorted from school. Prosecutors argued during the trial that the nature of the attack, supported by CCTV footage, eyewitness testimony and medical evidence, demonstrated an intention to kill. The defense accepted the seriousness of the incident but argued the prosecution had not proved the specific intent required for attempted murder.
Bouchaker pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that one of the injured girls suffered catastrophic brain injuries and now requires lifelong, around-the-clock care. Flynn sustained life-threatening injuries after intervening to protect the children. Other children and a passerby were also injured during the attack.
Before the trial began, Mr Justice Tony Hunt ruled that Bouchaker was fit to stand trial despite cognitive impairments linked to previous brain surgery and an acquired brain injury. The judge directed that accommodations, including shorter court sessions, breaks and interpretation assistance, be provided to ensure a fair trial.
The stabbings triggered widespread unrest in Dublin later that day, with rioters setting vehicles alight, looting shops and clashing with police. Irish authorities subsequently blamed the violence on agitators who spread false claims about the suspect online.
Following the unanimous verdicts, the court was scheduled to proceed to sentencing at a later stage under the direction of Mr Justice Hunt.
