A British fitness instructor seen by millions around the world defacing the 2,000-year-old Colosseum has apologized to police for his wanton vandalism.
Ivan Dimitrov, 27, who also goes by the name Ivan Hawkins, was exclusively identified by MailOnline, along with his girlfriend Hayley Bracey, 33, after an irate tourist filmed him carving their names into the old stonework and posting them online.
The couple, who live in Bristol – were in Italy’s capital Rome as part of a three-week European tour – were located in Bulgaria by police on Friday after being identified through CCTV footage and hotel records.
Major Roberto Martina, from the paramilitary police of the carabinieri, told MailOnline: ‘Colleagues have spoken to the man and he has expressed his apologies and sincere remorse for what he has done.
“He had contacted us after we pulled his cell phone from the hotel records and left a message for him to call us. He was naturally concerned about the legal implications, and they were all explained to him.
Dimitov was filmed writing his and his girlfriend’s name in the wall of the Colosseum with a set of keys
In the video, Ryan approached the man believed to be Ivan, “Are you serious man? That’s rotten man. Stupid a******e’
Ivan Dimitrov (left) was in Rome with his long-term girlfriend Hayley Bracey (right) when he carved ‘Ivan & Hayley 23’ at the 2,000-year-old Colosseum in the Italian capital
“We told him that a report would be sent to his address in the UK and that the matter would then probably be heard early next year and that he could personally apologize to the court there.
“We didn’t ask him why he did it, that’s for a judge to hear, we just told him he was a suspect and part of the investigation. The girl is not part of any complaint and is therefore an innocent party as far as we are concerned, although she could technically be seen as an accomplice.
“But again, that will be for the prosecution to decide once we finish our investigation, which shouldn’t be too long since the main evidence is the original video of the incident.
“He told us he was very upset about what he had done, and he kept apologizing for it. I think he was concerned about the consequences of a lawsuit and we explained that he could face two to five years in prison and a fine. up to 15,000 euros.’
Bulgarian Dimitrov – who runs his own fitness business and is a part-time delivery driver – was filmed last week by California vacationer Ryan Lutz carving the words “Ivan and Hayley 23” into the brickwork with a set of keys.
Furious Ryan posted the video online and you can hear Dimitrov say, “Are you serious man? That’s f***** up man. Stupid jerk.’
As he challenges him, Dimitrov simply turns and grins before continuing to scratch his name and that of sports nutrition friend Hayley into the brickwork.
In a statement, the Carabinieri said: “Following investigations following the complaint filed by the Colosseum Park Authority, the Carabinieri of the Commando of Rome, coordinated by the Public Prosecutor of Rome, have identified through traditional research and photographic comparison , the person who is seriously suspected of being responsible for engraving his own name and that of his partner, in the Colosseum, filming the scene and then posting it on social media.
“The Carabinieri have determined that they are a couple, husband and wife, living in England.
The Colosseum has stood tall for nearly 2,000 years
Born in Bulgaria, Mr Dimitrov is pictured with Hayley who he lives with in the UK
Geographer Ryan Lutz, 38, filmed the tourist as he carved names into the stone walls of the 1937-year-old building with a set of keys
Other tourists have repeatedly caused chaos in Rome, including in 2018 when two British tourists stripped naked and posed for photos in a fountain at one of Rome’s most famous monuments
“It should be noted that the proceedings are at the pre-trial stage, therefore the accused should consider himself innocent until a final verdict is reached.”
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said: “I am grateful to the Arma dei Carabinieri for quickly identifying the alleged perpetrator of the uncivilized and absurd act committed at the Colosseum.
“An act that has offended all those around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments and history.
Now I hope that justice will take its course by rigorously applying the laws. If it comes to a lawsuit, the Ministry of Culture will file a civil suit.’