Wicklow Man Sentenced Following Ramming Of Gates At Leinster House

A judge has warned a Wicklow man who was suffering from a paranoid delusion when he rammed gates at Leinster House and Aras An Uachtaráin last year that he will end up in prison if he repeats his offending.

David O'Callaghan from The Fairways, Woodbrook Glen in Bray pleaded guilty to driving into the rear gates of Leinster House and two counts of criminal damage, all on the 2nd of August last year.

Mr O'Callaghan said he didn't want to get inside, only cause damage. 

He has since been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is receiving treatment.

Mr O'Callaghan has 11 previous convictions, including for drug offences.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court previously heard the amount of damage caused amounted to over €60,000.

Judge Martin Nolan imposed a four-year prison sentence, which he suspended on strict conditions including that Mr O'Callaghan place himself under the supervision of the Probation Services for 21 months.