The attorney for a 44-year-old man accused of abusing a dog in Falls Township is attempting to withdraw the plea made in the case.
Christopher George, 44, a former Montgomery County resident who most recently lived in Bensalem, and his attorney are attempting to withdraw a negotiated no contest plea that was entered into last week before Judge Wallace Bateman. Defense attorney Craig Penglase asked the judge to withdraw the plea during a reconsideration hearing Thursday afternoon at the Justice Center in Doylestown.
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The hearing was called after George’s house arrest was denied by the Bucks County Department of Corrections. Penglase said George, who pleaded no contest to an animal cruelty charge, scored highly on the house arrest but was denied. It was stated in court that the denial of house arrest was due to the nature of the crime George pleaded no contest to.
George was accused of abusing Rock, a boxer breed. The dog belongs to his now-ex-girlfriend and lived at her Falls house with her family. The dog lost weight, suffered cuts, had 23 broken ribs, a puncture wound and bloody paws, among other injuries, authorities said. He was convicted nearly a decade ago of kicking four puppies, killing three of them.
Penglase stated in court that the initial deal was “fantastic” for his client and was only made under the condition that George receive house arrest. Bateman responded by stating he could not remand a defendant to house arrest, adding that final decision rested in the hands of corrections officials.
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The judge said there is a difference if the plea was explained to George that he would receive house arrest or that he could receive house arrest. Bateman requested copies of the sentencing transcripts to interpret the language used.
Prosecutor Johnathan Long said he was not certain whether George could withdraw his plea. He stated there is not always an “absolute right” to withdraw a plea after sentencing.
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Bateman said he would issue an order on the motion to withdraw charges and go to trial next week.
“I want to get this right,” Penglase said.
