A man who allegedly exposed himself and performed a lewd act in front of a group of young girls playing near their homes in Dublin has been sent forward for trial.
Mark Dolan, 48, formerly of Andrew Heights, Dún Brinn, Athy, Co. Kildare, is accused of exposing himself and masturbating in front of young girls on May 6th, 2023.
The charge alleges this was for the purpose of sexual gratification or "corrupting or depraving a child".
After he first appeared at Dublin District Court in May, an order prevented the media from identifying the father-of-three. However, it was subsequently lifted following a legal challenge by RTÉ.
Book of evidence
He appeared again on Friday when Judge John Brennan noted the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment.
A book of evidence was served on the accused.
Judge Brennan then granted a return for trial order sending Mr Dolan forward to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where the case will be listed for mention on November 24th. The mechanic, who did not address the court and has not indicated a plea, was remanded on bail.
He was granted legal aid due to the seriousness of the case.
An earlier bail hearing was told the four girls, aged seven, were out playing on their street when the alleged incident occurred.
Bail required a €3,000 independent surety, with a €1,000 cash lodgement.
Bail conditions
According to the bail terms, he must sign on daily at a garda station, obey a 9pm – 6am curfew, and he has had to surrender his passport.
He was warned to stay away from the neighbourhood where the incident allegedly happened.
When the reporting restrictions were addressed, the court stressed that no information should be printed that could identify the children in this case.
A State solicitor had said, "The media can't publish any information that would identify the injured parties", and "I don't believe, based on the facts of this case, the children could be identified."
RTÉ's lawyer argued that there were no grounds for the reporting restrictions on naming the accused; while the allegations were serious, there were provisions about identifying the children.
