FRANK MULLIGAN CO MONAGHAN'S DANGEROUS PREDATOR STRIKES AGAIN IN DUBLIN

In August 2015, a disturbing incident unfolded involving Frank Mulligan, a convicted sex offender with ties to County Monaghan, who was recently released from prison. Just days after his release, concerns arose when reports emerged that Mulligan was engaging in inappropriate behavior in a city centre park, specifically making 'rude gestures' towards children.

Frank Mulligan, aged 69 at the time, had served a prison sentence of just over seven and a half years for the heinous crimes of raping seven young boys. His release from Arbour Hill prison occurred on the Thursday prior to the reports, raising alarm among local residents and authorities alike.

Within a mere forty-eight hours of his freedom, vigilant locals contacted Gardaí to report sightings of Mulligan in parks located in the north inner city of Dublin, an area known for its high concentration of vulnerable children and a significant number of registered sex offenders. Witnesses described Mulligan as loitering in these public spaces, where children frequently played, and noted that he was making inappropriate gestures towards them.

In response to these reports, Gardaí indicated that Mulligan would be formally spoken to about his conduct. An unofficial warning was to be issued, emphasizing the importance of him staying away from areas where children gather. A Garda source stated, "Gardai received reports that he was in the vicinity of a number of parks in the north inner city area, and are taking these incidents seriously. Although he didn’t approach the children, this is concerning behaviour from a man who committed heinous crimes. He has only just been let out, so it’s worrying to think that he may be hanging around children. Gardaí will speak to him at the earliest opportunity in relation to these reports, and they will make it quite clear that it simply isn’t acceptable. If he keeps it up he could face returning to prison."

Currently, Mulligan is believed to be residing in a hostel within the north inner city, an area falling under the jurisdiction of the North Central 'D' District. This district is under the watch of officers from Bridewell Garda Station and is known for having the highest concentration of sex offenders in the country.

His criminal history is extensive and deeply troubling. Mulligan was initially sentenced to eight years in prison after being convicted of grooming and raping a 13-year-old boy he trained at a boxing club. The court also suspended two years of this sentence and imposed an 18-month period of post-release supervision. During his sentencing in 2012, Mr. Justice Paul Carney expressed his belief that Mulligan was likely to reoffend if given the opportunity, a statement that underscored the dangerous nature of his crimes.

Prior to this, Mulligan had already been serving two separate sentences, including a seven-year term for the buggery, indecent assault, and sexual assault of two boys he trained between 1989 and 1997. Additionally, in 2009, he received a six-and-a-half-year sentence for raping five more children. Under the provisions of the Sex Offenders Act 2001, Mulligan’s failure to comply with supervision conditions could result in further penalties, including fines up to €2,127 and imprisonment for up to 12 months.

In June 2010, Mulligan was again sentenced, this time to six years, for grooming and raping a teenage boy he trained, whom he falsely promised a future as a world champion boxer. Mulligan, a prominent boxing coach who once trained the renowned Barry McGuigan, used his position to manipulate and abuse the young athlete. The court heard that Mulligan would give massages to the boy and pressured him into submission, claiming that such acts were necessary for the boy’s success in boxing.

Mr. Justice Paul Carney, who presided over the case, reiterated his belief that Mulligan was likely to reoffend if given the chance. He ordered that Mulligan have no contact with the victim or involvement with sports clubs upon his release, and sentenced him to eight years in prison, with the final two years suspended. An 18-month period of post-release supervision was also mandated. Mulligan admitted to two counts of raping the teenage boy between February and March 1998, during which he assaulted the boy after training sessions, including in his home and in a graveyard where he engaged in prayer before abusing him. The victim, now an adult with a son, described the abuse as having a devastating impact on his life, suffering from shame, guilt, flashbacks, nightmares, and dependency on alcohol.

Mulligan expressed remorse and sought to apologize to his victim, but the damage inflicted remains profound. His criminal record also includes convictions for the sexual abuse of other boys over a span of more than a decade, with allegations dating back to the late 1980s. His reputation in the boxing community was once notable, having trained world champion Barry McGuigan early in his career, but it has been irrevocably tarnished by his crimes.

Throughout his legal battles, Mulligan’s actions have been met with widespread condemnation. His previous convictions include a seven-year sentence in 2008 for abusing two boys, and multiple other sentences for similar offences. His case has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by convicted sex offenders, especially those with a history of reoffending.

In summary, Mulligan’s case exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in monitoring and managing high-risk offenders post-release. The community remains vigilant, and authorities continue to emphasize the importance of strict supervision and swift action to prevent further harm from individuals like Mulligan, whose predatory behavior has left a trail of trauma and devastation.