Riad Bouchaker: Not guilty a 'theoretical option' on attempted murder charges, judge tells jury

Mr Bouchaker is charged with three counts of attempting to murder children, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn and assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager

Candles and tributes left following a vigil held outside the school on Parnell Square following the attack in November 2023. File picture: Niall Carson/PA

A finding of not guilty of any offence is a "theoretical option" in relation to accusations that Riad Bouchaker attempted to murder three children, his trial judge has said.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt has been delivering his charge to the jury of nine men and three women. Mr Bouchaker, aged 52, is charged with three counts of attempting to murder children, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn and assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager. He denies all charges and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court.

The first charge against Mr Bouchaker is that he attempted to murder a then five-year-old girl who suffered a stab wound to the heart that left her with severe brain damage due to blood loss. 

Mr Justice Hunt explained to the jury that in relation to that charge, if they are not satisfied that he intended to kill the girl, they could find him guilty of the alternative charge of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm.

There is also, he said, an option of "not guilty of any criminal endeavour". However, the judge said this was a "theoretical option" and was not strongly argued for by Mr Bouchaker's defence.

In relation to the second and third attempted murder charges, if the prosecution has not proven its case the jury could find Mr Bouchaker guilty of assault causing harm.

Speaking about counts two and three, the judge said he would consider the option of a not guilty verdict as a "theoretical one".

Mr Justice Hunt is continuing his charge to the jury and has told them that they will begin their deliberations this afternoon.

Mr Bouchaker, of no fixed address, is charged with the three attempted murders, assaults causing harm and causing serious harm to Ms Flynn at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023.

He is further charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.