Dublin Attack: 52‑Year‑Old Convicted of Attempted Murder, Rioters Damage City

Sun Sep 06 2026 07:23:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Man found guilty of attempting murder of three children in Dublin, sparking riots that destroyed police vehicles and businesses.

A 52‑year‑old man, Riad Bouchaker, has been convicted on eight counts, including attempted murder of a five‑year‑old girl who remains with lifelong brain injury. The Central Criminal Court, where he was tried for the attack outside a school in November 2023, delivered the verdict after a six‑hour jury deliberation. The incident ignited widespread riots in Dublin, with police reporting most riot police historically deployed, 11 police vehicles destroyed, 13 shops looted and several buses and a tram set ablaze. Sentencing is scheduled for 12 October, and Bouchaker will remain in custody until then.

Dublin Attack: 52‑Year‑Old Convicted of Attempted Murder, Rioters Damage City

A 52‑year‑old man, Riad Bouchaker, has been found guilty of attempting to murder three children and assaulting four others in an attack outside a crèche in Dublin’s Parnell Square on 23 November 2023.

Burnt tram on O'Connell Street after Dublin riots — Bronze‑burnt tram after rioting on O’Connell Street.

Legal Outcome

Bouchaker faced eight charges, including attempted murder of a five‑year‑old girl who now suffers from a life‑long brain injury after a stab wound to her heart. He also faced assault causing serious harm to a crèche worker and assault on two children and a teenager. The Central Criminal Court jury deliberated for about six hours and reached a unanimous verdict on Wednesday afternoon. The judge thanked the jury for their “hard work” and noted the difficulty of listening to some testimonies. Sentencing will take place on 12 October, with Bouchaker remanded in custody until then.

Riot Aftermath

The attack ignited widespread rioting across Dublin. Police said it was the most extensive deployment of riot police in Ireland’s history. Within hours, 11 police vehicles were destroyed, more than 13 shops were badly damaged or looted, and three buses plus a tram were set ablaze. Several police officers were injured during three hours of sustained clashes. Police Chief Drew Harris described the rioters as “a lunatic, hooligan faction driven by a far‑right ideology.”

The city’s response included enhanced security, temporary closures of busy streets, and ongoing investigations into the motivations behind the violent eruption. Residents and community leaders are demanding stronger safeguards for children and tighter controls on anti‑social behaviour in public spaces.