Defence urges jury not to dismiss accused as 'monster' in Parnell Square trial

The defence team for Riad Bouchaker asked jurors to ignore people outside court seeking revenge and to consider alternative verdicts in the attempted murder trial.

Defence urges jury not to dismiss accused as 'monster' in Parnell Square trial

Counsel for a man on trial for allegedly stabbing three children near a Dublin school has asked jurors to remain objective and consider all possible verdicts, including lesser charges.

Riad Bouchaker faces charges at the Central Criminal Court over a knife attack on Parnell Square on November 23, 2023. A five-year-old girl sustained a severe head wound measuring 15 centimetres and required weeks of hospital treatment. Two other children and a childcare assistant were also injured.

Senior counsel Michael O'Higgins told the panel they could convict of attempted manslaughter or assault causing harm if they were not convinced Bouchaker intended to kill or inflict grievous bodily harm, the Irish Independent reports.

O'Higgins cautioned jurors against being influenced by members of the public outside the building who were, in his words, "shrieking for vengeance." He said they should not simply brand the defendant a "monster" without examining the evidence.

The defence suggested that the accused's mental condition at the time of the incident could be relevant to his culpability. The case is being heard by Ms Justice Tara Burns and continues.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)