Navy 'role model' fined for striking superior officer while drunk

The Naval Base at Haulbowline, Co Cork. At a sentencing at the base yesterday, the judge heard that petty officer Diarmuid Cunningham was “in a bad place at the time” he struck a superior officer. Picture: Larry Cummins

A highly commended Naval Services officer and “role model” has been fined about €1,450 for striking a superior officer while drunk aboard a Naval Services ship.

Petty officer Diarmuid Cunningham, who has been ordered to pay €1,000 compensation to his victim, was attending a Christmas party onboard the ship while it was, anchored off the coast, although it was  operational and on patrol duties.