The mother of a young girl who was gravely wounded in a knife assault on Parnell Square, Dublin city, last year, has reported that her daughter is in “high spirits.” She hopes her five-year-old daughter might leave the hospital before autumn.
In the violent encounter which took place near Coláiste Mhuire, Parnell Square, on November 23rd, the girl was amongst three children injured. Of the trio, her injuries were the most severe. The two other children, another girl and a boy, were discharged from the hospital in November.
A support worker also hurt in the violence spent over a week in the Mater hospital’s intensive care unit. His discharge occurred shortly prior to Christmas.
An update posted on the GoFundMe page by the girl’s mother stated: “Our brave little one is faring well and a discharge before fall is a possibility. Amid a severe stomach infection, she is doing well with her meals. She loves her play sessions and therapies.” She is effectively communicating her likes and dislikes and shows interest in playing with sand, dough, and colouring. She is even able to work on her arithmetic and spelling. “We are eager for the next phase. Deep gratitude for all the love and support.”
So far, more than €94,000 have been aggregated for the girl and her family to aid in medical bills.
Riad Bouchaker (50), without a permanent address, was accused of three counts of attempted murder on December 21st last year, including a serious assault charge on a support worker, assaulting a man at the scene, and harm to three children. He was also charged with possession and use of a 36cm kitchen knife as a weapon. He is currently incarcerated as he awaits his trial.
The incident triggered a right-wing rally in the city followed by an outbreak of riots, arson attacks, skirmishes with the police, and widespread looting of stores just a few hours after the attack.
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