Bouchaker said ‘I did not want to kill’ in garda interview played in court
Riad Bouchaker is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to an adult, in Dublin in 2023.
A man accused of the attempted murder of three children in Dublin three years ago told gardaí “I did not want to kill” during a video interview played in court.
The Central Criminal Court in Dublin has heard multiple children and an adult were injured in the incident, including a girl who is now in a wheelchair and non-verbal.
Bouchaker, 52 and of no fixed address, is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to an adult, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23 2023.
Bouchaker is also charged with assaulting three other people, and with producing a 36cm kitchen knife.
He has pleaded not guilty to all eight charges.
On the ninth day of the trial, the jury heard from Sergeant Ben Geoghegan about Bouchaker’s detention at Mountjoy Garda Station on December 20 2023.
Mr Geoghegan said he approved the initial six-hour period of detention, and two further extension periods were granted and the timings explained to Bouchaker.
Two detectives then conducted the first of seven garda interviews with Bouchaker at Mountjoy Garda Station on December 20 2023, which began at 11.11am and ended at 12.07pm.
Bouchaker had the assistance of a French Arabic interpreter and a solicitor was present during the first interview.
Gardaí were heard repeatedly cautioning Bouchaker that the interview was being recorded and may be used as evidence.
Speaking through an interpreter, Bouchaker replied: “Do not say anything, do not hear anything, do what they tell you to do.”
The garda is heard explaining further that Bouchaker does not have to reply to gardaí questions, but if he does, gardaí will “write down your answers and those answers may be used in court”.
Speaking through an interpreter, Bouchaker said: “As long as they know my situation, sometimes I lose concentration.
“Whatever you guys want to do, do it.”
One of the detectives told him twice that he was in a “police station” and pointed out the cameras in the room recording the interview.
After the caution was explained to him again, the interpreter said his response was: “I know I can answer and can refrain from answering, I understand that you (gardaí) are going to be asking the questions, and whatever is going to happen is in the hands of god.”
When told that he could consult with his solicitor at any time during the interview and his detention, he said: “I understand that and I want to say that they should know that I am sick and I don’t know.
“I lost my head in this. Whatever you want, guys, to do – please do.”
After being told again that he had the right to consult a solicitor, to food and medical attention if it was needed, he said: “I understand, do whatever you want, guys. What happened is a mistake.”
After saying that he did not know what had happened, he then said “whatever you guys do, I agree with you”.
One of the detectives replied: “I’m not looking for you to agree with me, I’m looking for the truth.
“I’m looking for the truth. I’m not asking for or telling you to agree with me.”
His interpreter said he referred to a “head injury” and something that happened to his shoulder.
The detective then asked him what he remembered about November 23 2023.
“I know I did something, I had something.”
He referred to throwing “something away” and made reference to a disability.
“When I got the envelope I stayed alone, I don’t know anyone.
“I found myself with a knife and I found myself alone and I don’t know.
“I told myself ‘what did I do’, ‘what did I do’.”
Asked again what he had done, he said: “I don’t know, you are police and you know. I did not want to kill.”
Asked by the detective how he felt during the interview, he said: “I forget everything. It’s like zero.”
The trial continues on Tuesday.