The person who attacked Steve Buscemi on a New York Metropolis road final 12 months reportedly provided an apology whereas being sentenced within the case this week … although he tacked a caveat onto his mea culpa.

Clifton Williams — the 51-year-old man who punched Buscemi in an east Manhattan neighborhood final Could — was sentenced to 6 months in jail, plus 5 years’ probation for attacking Buscemi and one other particular person on the identical day.

Williams pleaded responsible to the 2 assaults final month, and he apologized in court docket in keeping with the New York Publish … although he did appear to point one thing went down between him and Buscemi to impress the assault.

In court docket, Williams mentioned, “I solely preserve the truth that there was an incident introduced earlier than me between myself and Mr. Buscemi on that date, and I’m sorry.” It is unclear precisely what he is saying occurred between the 2.

Keep in mind … Buscemi revealed he was attacked final 12 months — with a dude strolling up and clocking him earlier than taking off.

Video of Buscemi taken moments earlier than the assault exhibits him having a seemingly regular day … saying a fast phrase to a girl earlier than crossing the road — the place Williams then apparently sucker-punched him.

Clifton was arrested for the crime at a New York Metropolis homeless shelter a couple of days after the assault occurred.