Courts / Dublin / Report

Fully suspended sentence for man who masturbated in front of four children

Summary

Mark Dolan, 49, received a fully suspended two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for masturbating in front of four children aged six to nine in Dublin on 6 May 2023. The court considered mitigating factors such as Dolan's lack of prior convictions and his admission of the act as a form of exhibitionism. The sentence was suspended on conditions including a ban on visiting the area where the offence occurred. Dolan was arrested two days after the incident, initially claiming an insect bite, and later admitted the behaviour but denied masturbating. Victim impact statements highlighted the children's ongoing nightmares and loss of safety. Dolan has no previous convictions, spent nine days in custody, and has begun therapy and medication. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with CCTV footage presented and statements from the children's mothers and a prosecuting Garda. Mark Dolan pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Fully suspended sentence for man who masturbated in front of four children. Charges or matters: engaging in sexual activity in front of a child at an address in Dublin on May 6, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 6, 2023 Incident
• 2024-03-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report