All Rise: The Riad Bouchaker Trial

It has been over three months since Riad Bouchaker was found guilty of all charges arising from the Parnell Square knife attack, and everyone was back in court today for his sentence hearing. His defence put forward their pleas in mitigation, and we also heard from some of the victims, and their families.

Yesterday, the jury found Riad Bouchaker guilty on all counts.  He’ll be sentenced on a later date but in this episode, Frank and Aisling are joined by two of the other court reporters who have been covering this trial: Deborah Naylor, Courts Correspondent with Virgin Media News, and Eoin Reynolds, Court Reporter at Ireland International News Agency.In this extended episode, they pore over the key evidence, explore how things unfolded in Court 19, and explain the elements of this case that the jury didn't hear.  

Four hours and forty-two minutes – that’s how long it took the jury to make their minds up. And they found Riad Bouchaker guilty on all counts.

The jury is out.  After weeks of evidence, the nine men and three women began their deliberations this afternoon.The judge asked them to approach their task “logically and forensically” and to leave emotion or sympathy at the door.

The jury heard closing speeches today – a final chance for both the prosecution and defence to address them.Alternative verdicts will be open to them in relation to certain charges and the issue of intention will be a key element for them to consider in their deliberations. 

The prosecution’s final witnesses were called today, including a forensic scientist who examined the knife Riad Bouchaker is alleged to have used.The jurors also heard medical evidence from the doctors who treated Leanne Flynn and the most seriously injured child – a 5 year old girl. 

Today, the jury watched Riad Bouchaker’s final garda interview, during which he was confronted with more CCTV footage and some forensic evidence.He was told about the injuries suffered by the children and childcare worker Leanne Flynn, and it was put to him that he was in his full mind when he attacked them.

Today, the jury watched more Garda interviews with Riad Bouchaker.They heard him repeatedly claim he wasn’t in his right mind on the day of the alleged attack. He said the decision to refuse him social welfare made him mad and go into ‘blackout’.He also repeatedly expressed his relief and gratitude that nobody died.  

Today, the jury was shown a video recording of Riad Bouchaker’s first interview with gardai. Throughout the interview, he repeatedly asks the detectives questioning him if they know that he’s sick.And at one point, he tells them he forgets “everything.” 

Day eight revealed more details about the emergency response to the attack and the garda investigation that followed. The jurors also heard from another eyewitness who described seeing the alleged stabbing of Leanne Flynn.And the jury was shown the suspected weapon – a black handled carving knife.