Courts / Dublin / Report

Salvadoran who sexually assaulted sleeping tourist is jailed

Summary

A Salvadoran man, Dennis Mendoza, has been jailed for 30 months after sexually assaulting a sleeping tourist in an unregistered hostel in Dublin. Mendoza, who had no previous convictions, was found guilty by a jury of the assault, which occurred in September 2021. The victim was staying in a shared room at what he believed to be a legitimate hostel when he was sexually assaulted by Mendoza. The victim awoke to find Mendoza groping him, and a second unknown male fled the scene. A substance found in the room was identified as semen, but DNA did not match the victim or Mendoza. Mendoza claimed he was in the room to close a window. His defense highlighted his difficult background and mental health issues, but the court noted his brazen lying and the lack of consent. Judge Martina Baxter imposed a 40-month sentence, with the final ten months suspended, including probation and mental health support.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Salvadoran who sexually assaulted sleeping tourist is jailed. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted

When:

• 2026-05-18 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report