Colosseum: Tourist apologies for carving names on wall

A tourer filmed carving names connected to an interior partition astatine Rome's past Colosseum says helium did not realise however aged the monument was erstwhile helium acted.

UK-based Ivan Dimitrov made the admittance successful a missive of apology to Rome's mayor, saying helium understood "the seriousness of the deed".

He etched "Ivan + Hayley 23" - his and his girlfriend's names - connected the 2,000-year-old amphitheatre with a key.

His actions successful June were filmed by a bystander and sparked condemnation.

A five-day constabulary hunt followed and helium present reportedly faces ineligible proceedings.

In the letter published by Italian paper Il Messaggero, Mr Dimitrov offered his "heartfelt and honorable apologies to the Italians and to the full world".

He continues: "I admit with profound embarrassment that lone aft what regretfully happened did I larn of the antiquity of the monument."

He added that helium praised those who "guard the inestimable humanities and creator worth of the Colosseum with dedication, attraction and sacrifice".

Mr Dimitrov, a 27-year-old believed to beryllium surviving successful Bristol, was filmed by different visitant who verbally reprimanded him earlier handing the signaling to information officials.

A video of the country was uploaded connected to YouTube and shared crossed societal media.

If convicted of an offence, helium could look a good of up to 15,000 euros (£12,500) arsenic good arsenic a situation condemnation of betwixt 2 and 5 years.

Mr Dimitrov's lawyer told El Messaggero that it is hoped the missive volition assistance his lawsuit debar the harshest sentence.

The Colosseum is 1 of the best-known symbols of Imperial Rome, and Italy's astir fashionable tourer site.

It is simply a protected Unesco World Heritage Site, meaning it is considered to beryllium a spot of "outstanding cosmopolitan value".

The incidental prompted wide condemnation successful Italy and crossed the globe.

Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said it "was violative to everyone astir the satellite who appreciates the worth of archaeology, monuments and history".