Man (50) charged with attempted murder of three children at Dublin’s Parnell Square

A 50-year-old man has been charged with the attempted murder of three children and with causing serious harm to a care worker at Dublin’s Parnell Square last month.

A five-year-old girl remains in hospital following the stabbing. The two other children were released from hospital while a crèche worker was also seriously injured during the incident.

Riad Bouchaker, of no fixed abode, appeared before Judge Brian Smyth at Dublin District Court on Thursday afternoon in relation to an incident at Parnell Square East on November 23rd.

Counsel for the defendant said Arabic is his client’s primary language, and an interpreter was present.

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Giving evidence, Det Sergeant Padraig Cleary said he had arrested Mr Bouchaker at Mountjoy Garda station at 12.51pm on Thursday for the purpose of charging him in relation to the attempted murder of a female child. He said the accused made “no reply”.

Mr Bouchaker’s reply to a second charge for attempted murder of a second female child was “I am a sick person”.

The accused, who was wearing a green jacket, a black jumper, green trousers and slippers, was further charged with attempted murder of a male child and made no response after caution, Det Sergeant Cleary said.

He was further charged with causing serious harm to a care worker, and with the assault of a French man at the scene. He was also charged with assault causing harm to three children, the court heard.

The witness said Mr Bouchaker was further charged after caution with the possession and production of a weapon, a 36cm kitchen knife, to which he replied: “I am a sick person.”

There was a Garda application to remand him in custody.

The District Court does not have the power to consider a bail application in an attempted murder case, which requires a High Court application. “Due to the nature of the charges, we cannot advance a bail application,” the defence barrister said.

Judge Smyth remanded Mr Bouchaker in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court via video link on December 28th. Legal aid was granted after a statement of the defendant’s means was handed into court.

The court noted that Mr Bouchaker required medical attention. Det Sgt Cleary confirmed a list of his medication had already been sent electronically to the medical section in Cloverhill Prison.

Judge Smyth acceded to a defence request to direct “appropriate medical attention” in custody.

Counsel for the defendant asked that his legal team not be identified by the media for safety reasons. Det Sgt Cleary supported the request and said it had already been discussed and “deemed suitable”.

Judge Smyth acceded and told reporters they must not name the members of the man’s legal team.

Mandatory reporting restrictions under section 93 of the Children Act already apply to media coverage regarding the injured children who cannot be identified.

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