Former soldier 'sorry' for unprovoked attack on fellow hotel guest in Cork

Accused told gardaí he had no recollection of the incident and was deeply regretful of what had happened

The Maritime Hotel in Bantry, Co Cork, where the incident took place in September of last year. Picture: Dan Linehan

A former member of the Defence Forces has apologised for an unprovoked attack on a fellow guest at a hotel, with the judge hearing the case saying it was so serious it could warrant a custodial sentence.

Mark O'Sullivan, of 17 Coolmaine Crescent, Hollyhill, Cork City, was staying at the Maritime Hotel in Bantry on September 6 last year when, shortly before midnight, he knocked on the door of another room and following a verbal exchange, punched the 18-year-old man who opened the door, in the face.