A 39-year-old man of no fixed address named George Arundel has been sentenced to two months in prison after pleading guilty to threatening a garda that he would rape his mother. Arundel appeared before Cork District Court by video link for sentencing on Monday following an incident on 18 March.
Court Details Cork City Arrest and Guilty Plea
Sgt John Dineen told the Cork District Court that a garda was on patrol at Lynch’s Street in Cork city on 18 March when he encountered a “glassy eyed” Arundel. According to the testimony, Arundel was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words. When the garda attempted to speak with him, Arundel was evasive and swore. Believing Arundel posed a danger to himself and others, the garda arrested him, at which point Arundel made the threat to rape the officer’s mother.
Originally from Mayfield in Cork city, Arundel pleaded guilty to charges of engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words and behaviour, and of being drunk and a danger.
Aggravating Factors and Legal Defense Arguments
Judge David Waters labeled the comment regarding rape as an aggravating factor in the case, describing the remark as “despicable.” Defence solicitor Shane Collins Daly told the court that his client struggles with alcohol dependency and mental health issues, noting that Arundel had been “in and out of custody” throughout his life.
“He has nowhere to stay. He lives in a tent. He doesn’t recall making the comment. But he must accept that he said it,” Daly told the court, adding that “when drinking he finds it difficult to get on with gardaí.” Court records show Arundel has amassed 18 previous convictions for being a drunk and a danger, along with eight previous convictions for engaging in threatening and insulting behaviour. Judge Waters imposed the two-month prison sentence following the guilty plea.
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