Jury to Deliberate in Parnell Square Stabbing Trial After Judge's Charge

Overview

• The Parnell Square attack that injured several children and a creche worker occurred on 23 November 2023 and left one young girl with life‑changing brain damage after a stab wound to the heart.
• Prosecutors relied on CCTV, bloodstained clothing, knife packaging and eyewitness accounts and told jurors the use of a 36cm carving knife and repeated targeting of upper bodies proves intent to kill.
• The defence did not call evidence and told jurors the high legal standard for attempted murder was not met, asking them instead to consider alternative verdicts such as causing serious harm or assault causing harm.
• During closing speeches the prosecution called the defence case 'absurd' and urged the jury to judge Bouchaker by his actions, while defence counsel warned jurors to set aside public anger and focus on the evidence.
• Mr Justice Tony Hunt has charged the jury of nine men and three women and they will now begin deliberations on the attempted murder and related assault counts.