Courts / Dublin / Report
21-year-old who branded garda 'rat' may have jail term replaced with community service
Summary
Denis Cupcea, 21, pleaded guilty in the District Court to using threatening and abusive language and failing to comply with a Garda's direction under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. He was convicted and sentenced to two months' custody for the section 8 charge, with the other charge considered. Cupcea appealed the severity of the sentence. The appeal court heard that on 18 May 2024, Garda Robert Ruddy was on mobile patrol when Cupcea shouted at him and the people he was dealing with, calling the Garda a "rat" and threatening to file a claim for a false arrest. Ruddy cautioned Cupcea, who was later arrested and cautioned. Cupcea's defence counsel said he entered a guilty plea, was remorseful, and had drug dependence. Judge Dara Hayes ordered a report to assess whether Cupcea could complete community service.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 21-year-old who branded garda 'rat' may have jail term replaced with community service. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Convicted
When:
- May 18, 2024 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 4 Adjournment
- 2025-07-28 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Cupcea was convicted in the District Court and given a sentence of two months in custody for the section 8 charge, with the other charge taken into consideration. He decided he would request a report to assess if Cupcea was suitable to complete community service.; The case was adjourned until September 4 for the community service report to be produced.
Places mentioned
- District Court Appeals Court
- Castlecurragh Road
- was charged at the garda station
Topics
Drugs Public Order Stage Appeal
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