A Bristol man who is facing up to five years in jail for graffitiing on Rome’s Colosseum has begged for forgiveness.

Last week footage emerged of the man allegedly carving his girlfriend's name into a 2,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site.

He has been named by the Mail as fitness instructor, Ivan Dimitrov, who also goes by the name Ivan Hawkins.

The video titled “A*****e tourist carves name in Colosseum in Rome 6-23-23” was posted to social media and quickly went viral – with members of the public slamming the vandalism.

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The couple were tracked down by Carabinieri (Italian paramilitary police) on Friday after they were identified through CCTV footage and hotel records.

If convicted, 27-year-old Dimitrov could face a fine of up to €15,000 (£12,850) or up to five years in jail.

According to The Daily Mail, Dimitrov expressed "sincere remorse" as he begged the police for forgiveness for the alleged vandalism.

Major Roberto Martina, of the Carabinieri paramilitary police, told the publication: "Colleagues have spoken with the man and he has expressed his apologies and sincere remorse for what he did.

"He had contacted us after we secured his mobile telephone from hotel records and left a message for him to call us. He was naturally worried about the legal implications, and these were all explained to him.

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"We didn’t ask him why he did it, that will be for a judge to hear, we just told him that he was a suspect and was part of the investigation."

They later added: "He told us he was very upset by what he had done, and he kept apologising for it, I think he was worried about the consequences of any trial and we explained that he could be jailed for between two and five years and be fined up to 15,000 Euro."

Police also confirmed the girlfriend, identified as Ms Hayley Bracey is not part of any complaint and they are viewing her as an “innocent party”.

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Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, said: "This act was offensive to everyone around the world who appreciates the value of archaeology, monuments and history.

"I am grateful to the Carabinieri for having swiftly identified the person who is alleged to be responsible for this act, uncivilised as it was absurd, which was committed at the Colosseum.

"‌I hope that the justice system will now run its course and rigorously apply the law. Those who cause damage will pay."

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