A Swedish graffiti artist, who added his personal touch to the newly embellished Tritons Square in Valletta, has been handed a suspended sentence and ordered by a court to pay for the damage caused.

Marcus Wilhelm Einar Nordqvist, 31, who refused all legal assistance, pleaded guilty to having on Tuesday afternoon despoiled the newly laid pavement with his art work done in permanent marker.

He also admitted to having led a vagrant and idle life while residing on the island, having no fixed place to call home.

While prosecuting inspector Priscilla Caruana Lee explained that the man had not wanted the police to contact the Swedish Embassy for assistance, the man in the dock took off his jacket and fidgeted about.

“I have no one to inform,” he butted in. “When I get a laptop and internet, I just call my mother to say hello.”

I messed up your streets. I’m sorry. Just give me alcohol and I will clean it.

As the prosecution explained how the graffiti would require special chemicals to be cleaned up, the accused frankly stated “I messed up your streets. I’m sorry. Just give me alcohol and I will clean it.”

Magistrate Grazio Mercieca declared the man guilty and handed him a one month jail term suspended for one year. He also ordered him to fork out €150, the estimated costs to repair the damage.

Making peace signs and crumpling up a copy of his charge sheet, the culprit walked out of the courtroom.