A 21-year-old man who was found acting suspiciously on a stranger’s driveway with stolen goods in his possession has been spared jail after a judge heard he is struggling with severe mental health issues and substance misuse.
Callum Howell, of Kilcross Grove, Sandyford, Dublin 18, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to trespassing, as well as theft, public order offences, road traffic matters and failing to appear in court.
The court heard that gardaí were called to a residential property in Stepaside on April 23, 2025, after the homeowner reported a man behaving strangely on their driveway. When officers arrived, they found Howell in possession of designer sunglasses and aftershave that had been stolen earlier that day from a nearby Spar shop.
He was arrested and later charged under Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act for trespass and Section 18 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act for theft. He also faced charges under Section 113 of the Road Traffic Act, Section 4 and Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, and Section 13(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 for failing to appear in court.
The court heard Howell has 26 previous convictions, including six for theft, three for road traffic offences and one for trespass.
His solicitor told the court that her client has a long history of anxiety, suicidal ideation, and neurodivergence, including Asperger’s syndrome and ADHD. The court heard that Howell’s mental health deteriorated significantly following the death of several close family members and his mother’s serious illness. He also struggles with cannabis and benzodiazepine misuse.
The court heard that Howell has made genuine efforts to engage with support services. He is attending his GP and has linked up with Cluain Mhuire, although not on a residential basis. He previously engaged with outpatient psychiatric care at St John of God’s. Howell expressed remorse for his actions and a desire to move forward, with hopes of pursuing carpentry or woodwork. He lives with his mother, who is willing to support him through his recovery.
Judge Patricia McNamara noted the serious nature of the offences but acknowledged that the accused is making active efforts to turn his life around.
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.
The judge warned that failure to comply with these conditions would result in the eight-month sentence being activated immediately. All remaining matters were taken into consideration.