Three German tourists who climbed up the scaffolding to the roof of St John's Co-Cathedral to see the sunrise from a better vantage point were today fined €50 each after admitting to their "foolish" act.

Daniel Eberhard, 25, Veronika Zakon, 27, and Werner Eberle, 27, admitted to entering a restricted area at St John's Co-Cathedral without the necessary permits between 4am and 5am this morning.

Magistrate Marseann Farrugia heard how the police were alerted when the cathedral's alarm went off.

Through their legal aid lawyer, Noel Bartolo, the youths apologised for their "foolish act" but explained that they climbed up the scaffolding to have a better view of the sun rising.

Mr Eberhard, who works in Malta but is due to leave next week, requested a ban on the publication of his name as this could prejudice his job. But Magistrate Farrugia ruled that there were no grounds at law to order the prohibition so she turned down the request.

Ms Zakon and Mr Eberle went straight to the airport from the Law Courts.

Handing down judgment, Magistrate Farrugia said that although it was not the most serious of crimes, the accused should have known better than access a restricted area without permits. This apart the danger to which they had exposed themselves. She fined them €50 each for their adventure.

Police Inspector Pricilla Caruana Lee prosecuted.