Parnell Square attack trial must be given priority, says judge

Eoin Reynolds

The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children at Parnell Square in Dublin, must be given priority due to the youth of some of the alleged victims, a judge has said.

Lawyers for Mr Bouchaker (50) told Mr Justice Paul McDermott at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday morning that they are still waiting for a psychiatrist's report.

The Central Criminal Court has previously heard that a psychiatrist assessing Mr Bouchaker asked for a report from a neuropsychologist. That report has been given to the psychiatrist, who has indicated she will complete her report within three weeks.

Mr Justice McDermott noted the age of the complainants and said the case must be given priority as soon as the psychiatric issue is resolved. He asked that everyone involved, including lawyers and professionals, "strain themselves" to ensure it gets on as quickly as possible.

The matter will be mentioned again in June.

Mr Bouchaker, of no fixed abode, is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy. He is also charged with assault causing serious harm to a care worker and possession or production of a knife.

The incident occurred at Parnell Square on the afternoon of November 23rd, 2023.

In February this year, the Department of Justice and the courts announced a protocol to fast-track trials involving children. The courts have committed to completing the trial process within one year, where possible, if a child is the alleged victim or perpetrator.