A Hamrun teacher admitted to throwing paint at the PN club and the St Joseph Band Club in Hamrun, saying he was provoked and taunted by comments regarding his foreign girlfriend.

Charles Cirillo, 57, apologised in court before magistrate Anthony Vella for throwing paint at the two clubs and a shop on St Joseph High Road, Hamrun and damaging two cars on different dates during December and last Thursday.

After stating that he had already paid €2,3293 (Lm1,000) in damages, the man said he should have reported his persecutors to the police, rather than taking the law into his own hands.

Magistrate Vella told Cirillo that, as a teacher, he should be setting an example and jailed him for six months suspended for two years.

Police Inspector Mario Tonna prosecuted, while Dr Leon Bencini was defence counsel to the accused.