Honduran man given non-custodial sentence for sexual assault of teen boy in gym
In April 2025, Dario Maradiaga Flores, a 33-year-old Honduran man, sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy in the changing room of a gym in Tallaght, Dublin, by groping his genitals through his clothing. The teenager reported the incident to gym staff, who contacted gardaí, and Flores was traced through CCTV footage and his gym swipe card. He pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after the District Court refused jurisdiction. On 27 October 2026, Judge Martin Nolan handed down a sentence of two and a half years suspended in full, with a condition that Flores pay €5,000 to the victim within six weeks.
- Reportednot reported
- Arrestednot reported
- Chargednot reported
- In courtnot reported
- Verdictnot reported
- Sentenced27 Oct
2 reports
Key facts
consolidated from all reports- What happened
- The accused sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy in the changing room of a gym by groping his genitals through his clothing.
- Where
- The offence took place at a gym in Tallaght, Dublin 24.
- When
- The offence occurred in April 2025.
- Investigation
- Flores was traced through CCTV footage and his gym swipe card after the teenager reported the incident to staff who contacted gardaí.
- Charges
- Flores pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault of a male under the age of 18, contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990 and Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
- In court
- The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after the District Court refused jurisdiction.
- Sentence
- Judge Martin Nolan handed down a sentence of two and a half years suspended in full, with a condition that Flores pay €5,000 to the victim within six weeks, or to a charity if the victim does not accept it.
- Other details
- The offence carries a maximum sentence of 14 years.
- Flores, originally from Honduras, has no previous convictions in either jurisdiction.
18 statements extracted from the articles
- whatThe accused sexually assaulted a 16-year-old boy at a gym. (gript.ie)
- whatWhen the teenager protested loudly, Flores appeared embarrassed, apologised profusely, and left the gym quickly, leaving behind clothing and a water bottle. (irishmirror.ie)
- whereFlores is originally from Honduras and has an address at Maplewood Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24. (irishmirror.ie)
- whenThe offence occurred in April 2025. (gript.ie)
- investigationFlores was traced through CCTV footage and his gym swipe card after the teenager reported the incident to staff who contacted gardaí. (irishmirror.ie)
- chargeThe offence is contrary to Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990 and Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001. (gript.ie)
- chargeThe offence carries a maximum sentence of 14 years. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe case was heard at the Circuit Criminal Court after the District Court refused jurisdiction. (gript.ie)
- courtThe accused pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a male under the age of 18. (gript.ie)
- courtFlores pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of sexual assault in April 2025. (irishmirror.ie)
- courtThe judge said he had no doubt the victim suffered some trauma as a result of the crime. (irishmirror.ie)
- sentenceThe judge handed down a sentence of two and a half years suspended in full, with a condition that Flores pay €5,000 to the victim within six weeks. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherThe maximum sentence for the offence is 14 years. (gript.ie)
- otherIf the victim does not accept the money, it is to be donated to a charity. (gript.ie)
- otherFlores has no previous convictions in either jurisdiction. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherFlores has been in a stable relationship for nearly a year and his partner was in court to support him. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherFlores has a degree in psychology and was working in HR at the time of the offence but lost his job in the wake of it. (irishmirror.ie)
- otherFlores is now working on a farm and is active in his local church, a gay men's choir and rugby. (irishmirror.ie)
The reporting
newest first- 27 Oct2026HR worker who sex assaulted teen boy in gym walks free as partner supports him in court
Full sentencing details: Judge Martin Nolan suspended a two-and-a-half-year term in full with a condition that Flores pay €5,000 to the victim within six weeks. Article adds background on Flores (psychology degree, HR worker who lost his job, now working on a farm, active in church, gay men's choir and rugby), defence arguments, and the judge's remarks on the victim's trauma.
victim, 16, maleconvicted, Dario Maradiaga Flores, 33, male, named, non-irish (judged from name)Dario Maradiaga Flores - 27 Oct2026No jail for man who assaulted teen boy in gym
Reports the sentencing outcome: the Honduran man received a non-custodial sentence for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy at a gym in Tallaght.
accused, Dario Maradiaga Flores, 33, male, Honduran, named, non-irishDario Maradiaga Floresvictim, 16, male
Changed after publication
facts outlets added, removed or correctedgript.ie, 27 Oct 2026: No jail for man who assaulted teen boy in gym
- AddedDetective Sergeant Ruth Finnegan gave evidence at Tallaght District Court that the teen had finished exercising and was fully dressed.
- AddedThe accused pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a male under the age of 18 at the Circuit Criminal Court before Judge Nolan.
- AddedThe maximum sentence for the offence under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990 and Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001 is 14 years.