The Swedish Tourist Who Kicked a Hotel Maid in Sunny Beach Remains in Custody

Bourgas District Court did not respect the request for the release of Ralph Sunderberg and on 15^th of June ruled that he should remain in custody. He was detained on 3^rd of June after he kicked a maid in the head, for no obvious reason, at a hotel in Sunny Beach resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

The District Prosecutor's Office in Nessebar is expected to submit the case to the court.

The prosecutor's office said the 53-year-old Swedish tourist, Ralph Sundberg, was sane and aware of what he was doing.

Krassimira Katelieva, District Prosecutor said that he had no mental illness, he was in a state of alcoholic intoxication during the act and, most importantly, he could understand the nature of the act and manage his actions. There is no impediment to criminal liability, she added.

Speaking to journalists, the Swedish citizen once again said he did not remember the incident.

He admitted that he had drunk wine, beer and whiskey but denied being an alcoholic.

He has said he does not drink alcohol regularly, that he works 5 days a week, is not an alcoholic and does not like to kick people. The punishment for such a crime in Sweden is probably just a fine. He said he was ready to pay the victim for the damages of the attack. He said he was sorry for the incident.

The hearing on the charges against Ralph Sundberg for causing actual bodily harm will be held in Nessebar court under the fast track procedure. The defense lawyer indicated that he would be suggesting financial penalty only.