A man who sparked a dramatic 12-hour Lake District stand-off has told a judge: “I’m really sorry. I was very drunk.”
Armed police responded and a Windermere street was cordoned off as officers dealt with a lengthy incident involving 36-year-old Remus Cutea on November 30.
Cutea appeared at Carlisle Crown Court this afternoon and admitted four offences.
Two of these, sending a series of electronic communications with intent to cause distress and anxiety, and an assault, arose out of incidents in the days leading up to the siege.
He also pleaded guilty to affray and possessing a prohibited weapon – a stun gun disguised as a torch – on November 30.
Apologetic throughout the hearing, Cutea, of Claife Avenue, Windermere, said of his offending: “I am really sorry. I was very drunk.”
At the time of the stand-off, residents had reacted with shock as events unfolded.
“The police just turned up one after another, after another, after another,” said one eyewitness. “They had the shields out. They had the guns out.”
In the wake of the incident, a Cumbria Constabulary spokesman confirmed a call had been received around 9am.
This led to concerns for the welfare of a man at an address in Claife Avenue, Windermere.
In court, defence barrister David Traynor said to the judge, Recorder Eric Lamb: “Your honour will have seen the antecedent record.
“He is generally a hard-working man.
“Last year he had some issues with alcohol that led to these offences.”
Cutea will be sentenced on February 18, was remanded in custody in the meantime and told by the judge Recorder Eric Lamb: “All sentencing options remain open.”
