Courts / Dublin / Report

'Clear message' needs to be sent on man who masturbated in front of four children, mother of victim tells court

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, the mother of a six‑year‑old girl whose innocence was taken by Mark Dolan, 49, demanded a clear message that such behaviour would not be tolerated. Dolan, who had initially denied the offence, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity in front of a child on 6 May 2023. CCTV footage showed him parking beside a school, walking past a group of girls aged six to eight, undressing and masturbating for over five minutes while checking for witnesses. The four girls suffered nightmares and lost a sense of safety. Dolan had no prior convictions, was arrested two days after the incident, and had admitted to exhibitionist behaviour. He spent nine days in custody, began therapy and is on medication. The case was adjourned for sentencing.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Clear message' needs to be sent on man who masturbated in front of four children, mother of victim tells court. Charges or matters: engaging in sexual activity in front of a child at an address in north Dublin on May 6, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 6, 2023 Incident
• 2024-03-20 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report