51 year old Arnold James Lawrence Cote pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a weapon and possessing a weapon. He was arrested on April 23rd after a drunken confrontation with his girlfriend. Cote admitted to waving the machete around and hitting his girlfriend with the blunt side of the weapon.
Judge Henrik Tonning described the incident as a "pretty scary situation" for all involved, saying given Cote's state of intoxication things could have been a lot worse. Cote's lawyer described him as having a troubled life and being unable to catch a break--but the Judge countered if Cote would simply stay sober most of his problems would be a thing of the past. In addition, He also pleaded guilty to a mischief charge involving a smashed out rear window of a truck.
Cote, who has already served 45 days in jail, was also ordered to have no contact with the victim of the assault.
