Man Declared Guilty in Attempted Murder of Three Dublin Children

Sun Sep 06 2026 13:50:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A 52‑year‑old man was found guilty of stabbing a five‑year‑old and assaulting four others in Dublin’s Parnell Square, sparking nationwide riots.

On 23 November 2023 a 52‑year‑old man attacked children near a Dublin school, leaving one permanently injured and injuring four adults. The Central Criminal Court found him guilty on all eight charges, and he will be sentenced on 12 October while in custody. His attack triggered widespread riots, with riot police deploying their most forces in Irish history, burning vehicles, a tram and damaging businesses. The case highlights the tensions and violence currently affecting Dublin.

Man Declared Guilty in Attempted Murder of Three Dublin Children

Riad Bouchaker, 52, was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court on all eight charges for attacking children and adults near Dublin’s Parnell Square on 23 November 2023. A five‑year‑old girl suffered permanent brain injury after being stabbed in the heart, and four people were assaulted with serious harm.

The jury deliberated for just over six hours, reaching a verdict that left Bouchaker in custody pending sentencing on 12 October.

The attack ignited massive riots across Dublin. Police mobilised the most riot units in Irish history, smashing 11 vehicles, damaging 13 shops, and destroying a tram while officers were wounded for three hours.

Irish Police Chief Drew Harris blamed the unrest on a far‑right‑driven faction, calling the participants a "lunatic, hooligan" group.