Courts / Dublin / Report
21-year-old found trespassing with stolen goods spared jail after court hears of mental health issues
Summary
Callum Howell, 21, of Sandyford, Dublin 18, was sentenced at Tallaght District Court after pleading guilty to trespassing, theft, public order offences, road traffic matters, and failing to appear in court. The court heard that gardaí found Howell on a residential driveway in Stepaside in April 2025 in possession of stolen goods. He admitted to the charges, which included offences under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, and the Road Traffic Act. The judge noted Howell's 26 previous convictions but accepted evidence of severe mental health issues, including anxiety, neurodivergence, and substance misuse. Judge Patricia McNamara convicted and sentenced him on the trespassing charge to eight months in prison. This sentence was suspended for 12 months on the condition that Howell does not reoffend, possesses no illicit or non-prescribed substances, attends all medical appointments, complies with prescribed medication, and engages fully with Cluain Mhuire once a place becomes available. The judge warned that failure to comply would result in the immediate activation of the eight-month sentence. All remaining matters were taken into consideration in the disposal.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 21-year-old found trespassing with stolen goods spared jail after court hears of mental health issues. Charges or matters: trespassing, as well as theft, public order offences, road traffic matters and failing to appear in court. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- April 23, 2025 Incident
- 2025-07-14 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: trespassing, as well as theft, public order offences, road traffic matters and failing to appear in court (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She convicted and sentenced him on the trespassing charge to eight months in prison, which she suspended for 12 months on condition that Howell does not reoffend, possesses no illicit or non-prescribed substances, attends all medical appointments, complies with prescribed medication and engages fully with Cluain Mhuire once a place becomes available.
Places mentioned
Topics
Fraud Public Order Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft
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