ASSEMBLY Mick Bates has spoken to the County Times, just moments after being sentenced for assault at Cardiff Magistrates' Court.
He told the County Times: "The first thing would like to say is thanks to all those people who have offered me support, particularly my wife, my family and my good friends and colleagues who offered me tremendous support.
"I am so sorry for all the distress that I have caused those involved that night.
"I will endeavour to continue my work enthusiastically as possible. It's the recess in the Assembly at the moment, but I will continue as usual with my meetings and work before I retire at the next election.
"I have no recollection of the incidents and allegations and that in its own way leads me to not understand what happened. I still can't understand it.
"The people who have written texts and emailed me their support have helped me immensely."
Liberal Democrat politician Bates, 63, of Llanfair Caereinion, was found three guilty of three common assault charges and three public order offences following a six-day trial at Cardiff Magistrates' Court earlier today (Friday).