Overview
- Prosecutors say Riad Bouchaker attacked a line of children with a large kitchen knife during an incident on Parnell Square on 23 November 2023 and he has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and related charges.
- Childcare worker Leanne Flynn told the court she grabbed the assailant to protect 13 five‑ and six‑year‑olds, was stabbed in the struggle and required two emergency operations and a month in hospital.
- Multiple bystanders, including Warren Donohue and a cyclist, gave evidence that they ran in, struck the attacker and helped restrain him until emergency services arrived.
- At trial the State has shown physical exhibits such as blood‑stained clothing while the defence says CCTV and forensic evidence will be used to challenge some eyewitness memories.
- The case is before Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of nine men and three women and is expected to run for several weeks, with at least one child reported to have sustained life‑changing injuries.