Consideration was shown in the Stawell Magistrate's Court, with trespassing-related charges recording a proven but dismissed result.
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On Tuesday, October 26, Jakob McDonald, 25, appeared in the Stawell Magistrate's Court via video link, where he pled guilty to charges relating to two incidents of trespassing in Stawell.
The first incident occurred between February 12 and 19, 2021, when McDonald broke into an empty property in Uri Park Court, Stawell.
McDonald entered the house by breaking the door jamb, damaging the site.
Residents in the street noticed McDonald's presence as they told police members they saw drawn curtains, him sleeping on the bed and moving pillows.
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One person told the police McDonald had spoken to them, and he said he had "nowhere to live".
Upon investigating the property, police found a right-hand palm print that matched McDonald's.
He was arrested on March 6, 2021.
On Thursday, April 15, 2021, the second trespassing incident occurred when McDonald was observed at Holmes Court, Stawell.
A resident of the street observed the unusual behaviour, as McDonald entered a property that wasn't his.
The incident was reported to the police, and they located McDonald on site.
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In entering their plea of guilty, McDonald's defence lawyer Adrian Paull said his client had suffered from a mental health issue.
Mr Paull said his 25-year-old client received medical support, which has improved his health considerably compared to his health at the time of the incidents.
In making his decision, Magistrate Tim Walsh said he accounted for all factors that have impacted Mr McDonald.
"In making this decision, it doesn't mean I approve of your behaviour," he said.
"It means I understand the place you were in at the time. I am encouraging you to stick with seeing your mental health services so they can help you."
McDonald's charges were proven and dismissed after the plea.
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