Man says he is an ‘idiot’ for mistaken identity assault

A Cork man who attacked a stranger in a case of mistaken identity and broke his nose said he was an idiot for doing what he did and that Cork people should not be judged by his actions.

“I am disgusted. I am deeply ashamed and embarrassed,” said Damien O’Brien. “I would like to say please don’t judge the people of Cork on an idiot like me. I cannot say enough how sorry I am.”

O’Brien, aged 44, who is from Cork City but now living at 34 St Colman’s Park, Macroom, Co Cork, pleaded guilty yesterday to a charge of assault causing harm to Jim Gunter, who was going home from work in Cork city at 1.40am on the day of the assault.