18-year-old tourist admits to public nudity in Senglea streets
The teen claimed it was a joke, but the magistrate reminded him that jokes have consequences
An 18-year-old British tourist has been found guilty of walking naked through the streets of Senglea.
Sean Graham Purves was spotted in the early hours of April 13 walking along Triq Sant’ Anġlu without clothes.
Purves appeared before Magistrate Monica Vella on Tuesday, where he pleaded guilty to offending public morals by exposing himself in public.
Defence lawyer Martina Herrera, who was appointed through legal aid, said that he was joking around with friends at the end of their holiday.
Police inspector Kurt Farrugia told the court that the man was spotted walking around the locality with no clothes on and that footage of the incident had been sent to the police by the local council.
He added that Purves had cooperated fully with the authorities, provided a statement and admitted to the charges at an early stage.
The court was also told that Purves was due to return to the United Kingdom later this Tuesday.
Offending public morals by exposing oneself carries a maximum penalty of three months’ imprisonment and a fine.
Inspector Farrugia noted the accused’s young age and his cooperation with police, suggesting that a suspended sentence and a fine of around €50 would be appropriate in the circumstances.
In her judgment, Magistrate Vella said that while she had taken into account the accused’s age and his cooperation with the authorities, he was nonetheless an adult and responsible for his actions.
She added that even if the act had been intended as a joke, it still carried consequences.
Purves was sentenced to one month in prison, suspended for three months, and fined €100.
Magistrate Monica Vella presided over the case.
Inspector Kurt Farrugia prosecuted.
Lawyer Martina Herrera assisted the accused.