Federal authorities have sentenced a Maine man to prison for an assault that took place aboard an international cruise ship.

John Kelleher, 46, of Brewer, Maine, was sentenced Tuesday to 12 months in federal prison after admitting to attacking his then-girlfriend during a cruise in December 2024.

According to court documents, the incident happened while the couple was traveling together aboard an international cruise ship. Prosecutors said Kelleher, who was on probation in Maine at the time, was prohibited from leaving the state without permission and was also barred from consuming alcohol.

Despite those restrictions, authorities said Kelleher drank heavily during the voyage. On or around December 19, 2024, the situation escalated when he allegedly assaulted the victim, biting and punching her during an onboard altercation.

Kelleher pleaded guilty to the assault charge in January 2026.

U.S. District Judge Stacey D. Neumann sentenced him to one year in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $360 in restitution to the victim.

The case was investigated by the FBI, which has jurisdiction over certain crimes committed aboard cruise ships sailing in international waters.