Sky News host Rita Panahi has slammed a climate activist trying to vandalise an artwork at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC.

The activist was filmed trying to smear red and black paint on the case surrounding Edgar Degas’ Little Dancer, Aged Fourteen sculpture.

She proceeded to sit down in front of the sculpture, holding up her hands covered in red paint.

Joanna Smith received 60 days of prison time out of a possible maximum sentence of five years.

The judge also ordered Ms Smith to serve 24 months of supervised release and 150 hours of community service, of which 10 hours must involve cleaning graffiti, according to NPR.