Media centre

Tuesday 4 Jan 2005

14 YEAR OLD GRAFFITI VANDAL CAUGHT IN THE ACT

Region & Route:

| Southern

A 14 year-old boy was caught on the track at St Johns station, in August 2004, illegally defacing a wall.  He was arrested by the British Transport Police and charged with criminal damage. Although caught in the act, the 14 year old, who is a well-known graffiti artist, pleaded not guilty.  However, the District Judge at Camberwell Green Youth Court, found the defendant guilty and sentenced him with a one-year supervision order and an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) which will be in effect until his 18th birthday. British Transport Police Officer PC Breeze said: “We are pleased with the sentence handed down.  We hope that this will send a message to other potential offenders that we do take graffiti seriously and will prosecute.” Dave Ward, Network Rail Route Director added: “Graffiti is an anti social crime which affects us all.  Unfortunately it is often left to the railways to pay for the damage with little recompense in terms of convictions.  But this case is hopefully one of many and society will start to turn the tables on these young people who cause so much damage and distress.”