The jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker, a 52-year-old man accused of attempting to murder three children in Dublin city centre three years ago, resumed its deliberations on Wednesday morning after being sent home on Tuesday following just one hour of discussion. The jury began considering its verdicts at 10.43am.
Jury Requests for Documents
During the deliberations, the jury requested several documents, including the judge's remarks on attempted murder and assault causing harm or intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm, as well as transcripts of evidence from four witnesses and closing statements from both prosecution and defence barristers. Mr Justice Tony Hunt informed the jury that the requested documentation was being printed on Tuesday morning.
Charges and Incident Details
Bouchaker, who has no fixed address, faces eight charges related to the incident on Parnell Square East on November 23, 2023. He is charged with the attempted murder of two girls aged five and six, and a five-year-old boy. Additionally, he is charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to care worker Leanne Flynn, assault causing harm to two young children and a teenager, and producing a 36cm kitchen knife. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Evidence Presented at Trial
The trial, which began over three weeks ago at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, heard from approximately 16 witnesses. These included parents of the children involved, witnesses of alleged prior encounters with the accused, medics, emergency service personnel, and investigating gardaí. The jury also viewed video-recorded Garda interviews with Bouchaker from December 2023, conducted a month after the incident.
