Dublin Attacker Convicted After Attempted Murder of Three Children Sparks Riots

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:44:38 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Guilty verdict for Riad Bouchaker in Dublin after 2023 attack leaves child with lifelong brain injury and ignites citywide riots.

A 52‑year‑old man, Riad Bouchaker, has been found guilty of attempting to murder three children and assaulting others in a 2023 incident in Dublin. The trial saw the jury reach a verdict after six hours of deliberation, with Bouchaker remanded in custody until the sentencing scheduled for 12 October. The assault left a five‑year‑old girl with a permanent brain injury. The attack ignited widespread riots, leading to the deployment of the most riot police Ireland has ever used, the destruction of vehicles and damage to property, and the injury of several officers. Irish police officials blamed far‑right ideology for the unrest.

Dublin Attacker Convicted After Attempted Murder of Three Children Sparks Riots

A 52‑year‑old man, Riad Bouchaker, now faces the consequences of a brutal 2023 attack that left one child with a lifelong brain injury and sparked a wave of rioting across Dublin. The Central Criminal Court held a trial beginning on 17 October and concluded on 18 October with a guilty verdict after approximately six hours of jury deliberation.

Bouchaker was found guilty on eight charges: attempted murder of three children, assault causing serious harm to a child care worker, and assault against three other individuals. All charges were rejected by Bouchaker during the hearing but later upheld by the judge.

Judge Tony Hunt expressed difficulty when hearing the jury’s testimony, noting the “hard work” they had invested in the case. He thanked the jury for a verdict “entirely in line with the evidence that you heard”. Bouchaker was remanded in custody until the sentencing date set for 12 October.

The initial incident occurred at Parnell Square, Dublin, when Bouchaker stabbed a five‑year‑old girl in the heart. Witnesses describe the moment as a “tremor of horror” that rippled through the community.

Aftermath: Riots Across Dublin

The attack ignited widespread rioting, drawing unprecedented numbers of riot police to the capital. Within hours, rioters damaged 11 police vehicles, looted 13 shops, and destroyed three buses and a tram. Police officers suffered injuries during three hours of sustained violence. Former Irish Police Chief Drew Harris attributed the unrest to “a lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far‑right ideology”.

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