A man who was caught red-handed as he threw paint at a facade of a block of apartments in Ghaxaq has been jailed for 20 months.

Stephen Mifsud, 42, who could not remember his Hamrun address, pleaded guilty to causing almost €2,600 in damage to the block of flats, harassing the tenants and causing them to fear violence, among other charges.

Police inspector Johann Fenech told Magistrate Josette Demicoli that the police began investigating the matter after paint was thrown at the facade over a three-week period.

The police examined CCTV footage but the person covered his face with a mask when he repeatedly hurled paint at the facade.

The court heard how Mr Mifsud was finally apprehended after two police officers were stationed inside the block and managed to arrest him just as he was about to throw more paint.

The inspector said police investigations were still under way in an attempt to establish the link between Mr Mifsud and the block of apartments or the possibility that Mr Mifsud was being sent there by someone.

Handing down her judgment, Magistrate Demicoli noted that Mr Mifsud had a colourful criminal past and was a repeat offender. She sentenced him to 20 months in jail.

Lawyer Joseph Ellis appeared for the man.