A 52-year-old man has been handed an 18-year prison sentence for a catalogue of horrific sexual offences committed against two young girls over a prolonged nine-year period.
Decade-Long Campaign of Abuse
Dominic Mulligan, from Farnborough, Hampshire, systematically assaulted his two victims between 2003 and 2012 in the Farnborough area. The disturbing pattern of abuse only came to light in 2023 when the non-recent offences were finally reported to Hampshire Police.
Conviction at Winchester Crown Court
Following a trial at Winchester Crown Court, Mulligan was found guilty of multiple serious sexual offences. The charges included the rape of a girl under 13, rape of a girl under 16, rape of a woman aged 16 or over, assault of a girl under 13 by penetration, assault of a girl under 13 by touching, and causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
The court heard harrowing details of how Mulligan preyed upon his vulnerable victims during the extended period of abuse. Despite the passage of time, both women demonstrated remarkable courage in coming forward and providing evidence that secured his conviction.
Sentencing and Protective Measures
On January 26, 2026, Judge at Winchester Crown Court sentenced Mulligan to 18 years imprisonment with an additional extended licence period of one year. The court also imposed significant protective measures to safeguard the public from future harm.
Mulligan was made subject to a restraining order and a comprehensive Sexual Harm Prevention Order. These legal restrictions prevent him from contacting children and will remain in force indefinitely. Additionally, he will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life, ensuring ongoing monitoring and supervision upon any potential future release.
Police Praise Victims' Bravery
Temporary Detective Sergeant Bethan Hastelow, from Hart and Rushmoor CID, commended both victims for their extraordinary bravery throughout the investigation and trial process. She expressed hope that the substantial sentence would encourage other victims of sexual offences to come forward, regardless of how much time has passed since the incidents occurred.
"Firstly I would like to thank both victims for their bravery throughout the investigation and trial," said T/Detective Sergeant Hastelow. "I hope both women can try and move forward knowing that Dominic Mulligan will spend a large portion of his life behind bars for what he did to them."
The detective sergeant added: "I sincerely hope this sentence gives other victims of sexual offences the confidence to bring their case to us. No matter how long ago the incident occurred we will do everything we can to investigate and bring offenders to justice."
Message to Other Victims
This case highlights several important aspects of how the justice system handles historic sexual offences. Police emphasised that they treat all reports seriously, regardless of when the crimes occurred, and have dedicated teams with specialist training to investigate such sensitive matters.
The successful prosecution demonstrates that even when significant time has elapsed between offences and reporting, evidence can still be gathered and presented effectively in court. Support services remain available for victims of sexual crimes, including those who have suffered in silence for many years before feeling able to report their experiences.
The substantial prison sentence reflects the severity of Mulligan's crimes and sends a clear message that such predatory behaviour will be met with the full force of the law, even when discovered years after the events took place.
