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Parnell Sq Trial Hears Former Garda Describe Man Being Restrained by Firefighter
Witnesses said a firefighter restrained the suspect as bystanders removed a knife and medics rushed a critically injured child to surgery.
Former Garda Adam Kealy told the Central Criminal Court he arrived at Parnell Square East to find a Dublin Fire Brigade member kneeling over Riad Bouchaker, restraining him by his forearm and wrist.
Witnesses Alison Carbery and Carlos Antonio Lopes Dos Santos described the November 23, 2023, incident, with Carbery recalling, "He's got a knife, he's stabbing the children," and Dos Santos observing the assailant moved the knife "quickly."
Kealy retrieved a wallet containing a Public Services Card identifying Bouchaker at the scene. He also located a mobile phone on the ground, though the defendant did not answer when asked if it was his.
Accompanying Bouchaker to the hospital, Kealy reported the defendant was sedated. A doctor later informed him that two urine samples obtained for forensic testing were negative for toxins.
Bouchaker, 52, is charged with the attempted murder of three children and assault causing serious harm to an adult, allegedly using a 36cm kitchen knife. He has pleaded not guilty to all eight charges.