Tourist who vandalised Rome's Colosseum offers bizarre explanation in apology to 'Italians and the world'
He caused shockwaves around the world when he was filmed apparently carving his name into a wall of Rome's 2,000-year-old Colosseum – and grinning when he realised he was caught on camera.
Now, the man behind the alleged act of vandalism has apologised to "the Italians" and to "the world", after apparently "learning" how significant the monument is.
Bristol-based fitness instructor Ivan Dimitrov, 27, wrote a letter of apology to the Rome mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, after he was caught-out on film carving the initials of himself and his girlfriend into the ancient structure.
READ MORE: Police say tourist filmed allegedly carving 'Ivan+Hayley' on Rome's Colosseum has been identified
The man behind the alleged act of vandalism has apologised to "the Italians" and to "the world", after apparently "learning" how significant the monument is. Twitter
He was since traced back to the UK by Italian officials, who threatened legal action and even a prison term.
"Through these lines I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity," Dimitrov said, per Italy's Il Messaggero.
"It is with deep embarrassment that only after what regrettably happened did I learn of the antiquity of the monument."
The apology comes after footage of the alleged vandalism surfaced last week.
READ MORE: Italy vows to track down, punish Colosseum vandal
Bristol-based fitness instructor Ivan Dimitrov, 27, wrote a letter of apology to the Rome mayor. Twitter
Dimitrov can be seen allegedly scratching "Ivan+Hayley 23" on a brick wall of one of the world's most precious buildings, located in the Italian capital of Rome.
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano tweeted on Thursday that the Carabinieri, a military police force, had "identified the person presumed to be responsible for the uncivilised and absurd act committed at the Colosseum."
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The ancient structure is over 2000-years-old. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"An act that offended everyone across the globe who appreciate the value of archaeology, of monuments and of history," he added.
Sangiuliano suggested that the case will go to trial.
"I hope that justice will take its course, applying the law rigorously," he wrote.
"If it comes to trial, the Ministry of Culture will appear as a plaintiff."
If convicted of a crime, Dimitrov could face a fine of at least 15,000 euros ($24,000) or up to five years in prison, according to Italian reports.
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