Jury to resume deliberations in Riad Bouchaker trial

The jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker is set to resume deliberations this morning as they consider the charges of attempted murder and assault. Bouchaker, 52, denies attempting to murder three children and assaulting four other individuals in an incident that occurred on November 23, 2023.

Deliberations began yesterday and lasted just over an hour before the jury was sent home. The jurors requested to rehear specific portions of the judge's charge concerning the law on attempted murder and assault causing harm. They also asked for transcripts of certain witness evidence and the closing arguments presented by both the defense and prosecution.

Mr. Bouchaker, who has no fixed address, faces multiple charges. These include the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to a crèche worker named Leanne Flynn. Additionally, he is charged with assaulting two other children and a teenager, as well as producing a knife in a manner deemed likely to intimidate.

Throughout the trial, Mr. Bouchaker has maintained his plea of not guilty to all charges. The jury's renewed deliberations will focus on the evidence presented and the legal instructions provided by the judge as they work towards reaching a verdict.