Riad Bouchaker told gardaí social welfare payment refusal ‘made me go into blackout’ (opens original article in a new tab)

A man denied attempting to murder three children in Dublin, attributing his actions to a social welfare payment refusal that caused a 'blackout' and claimed he was 'not in his right mind' during the incident.

• Riad Bouchaker denied attempting to murder three children at Dublin's Parnell Square, stating a social welfare payment refusal caused him to 'go into blackout' and he was 'not in his right mind' during the incident.
• Bouchaker claimed he did not intend to kill or harm the children, citing a 'negative decision' from social welfare as a trigger, and described feeling 'sick' and 'not conscious' during the attack.
• The prosecution alleges Bouchaker intended to kill, while Bouchaker's defense includes claims of an acquired brain injury and lack of intent, with the trial ongoing in the Central Criminal Court.