The mother of the little girl who was attacked at Parnell Square in 2023 has spoken out following the conclusion of the court case this week.
Riad Bouchaker was found guilty of all eight charges in relation to the horror stabbing in November 2023.
Among the charges, Bouchaker was convicted of the attempted murder of three young children outside a school in Dublin.
The trial heard of how one of the young girls attacked in November 2023 had a ‘lifelong, life-limiting’ condition and requires 24-hour care.
Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
Mother of Parnell Square victim speaks out
The then-five-year-old will require the use a wheelchair for the rest of her life, and is non-verbal following the attack.
Following the guilty verdict, the mother of the young girl noted that while Wednesday was a ‘good day’ she has not gotten closure.
Writing on a GoFundMe set up for the little girl, the mum wrote: ‘There will never be closure, but justice was served.
‘I feel relief knowing that what happened to us by the hands of that man will not happen to anyone else. I do not wish it on anyone.’
‘Seeing our daughter battle every day in her condition and not get to be the full bubbly version of herself chips away from my already aching heart.’
The devastated mum noted that she perseveres as the little girl ‘needs us and deserves a chance.’
‘A chance at happiness,’ the mum continued, ‘This is what parents want for their children: health and happiness. Since I cannot guarantee the former, I will work my hardest for the latter.
‘This chapter is over. We have woken up today with a bit of solace.’
The mum went on to explain that while she feels ‘all the emotions’ she is trying her ‘absolute best’ not to allow the negative ones linger.
Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
‘I do not have the time for them to allow them to consume me,’ she wrote, ‘My daughter, my son and my husband need me.
‘Be kind to one another.’
Bouchaker remains in custody and will be sentenced later in the year. The charges he faces carry potential life sentences.
