A Swindon man, who painted graffiti on properties in Swindon town centre, was sentenced on Wednesday 11 January 2017 at Swindon Magistrates Court.
Dean Morse, (22) from Chandler Close, Swindon, pleaded guilty to eighteen offences of criminal damage.The 18 incidents of graffiti took place between the evening of Friday 14 October 2016 and the early hours of Saturday 15 October 2016 on properties in the Brunel Shopping Centre.
He was sentenced to pay £2,000 compensation, 120 hours unpaid work in the next 12 months and to pay a victim surcharge and court costs of more than £100.
He also received a Community Behaviour Order for two years prohibiting him from having any can or tin of spray paint in his possession in a public place anywhere in Wiltshire.
PC Paul Bezzant said: “The nature of this crime hits the local community hard, it impacts on people’s property and lives.
“I welcome the result, especially as an offence like this is not often detected.
“It’s good that this person has been caught, he’s pleaded guilty and an appropriate punishment has been handed out.
“Hopefully, it will also act as a deterrent to others who may consider carrying out this type of destructive behaviour.”
Cllr Keith Williams, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for StreetSmart said: “Incidents of anti-social behaviour such as graffiti tags are a blight on our communities and cost taxpayers money to clear up, which could be better spent elsewhere.
“Most of these tags were on people’s property and, working with inSwindon, we have cleaned or removed the ones that were brought to our attention. The Council is trying hard to improve the town centre and these unsightly eyesores are not helping our cause.
“We will prosecute if we identify the perpetrators and I would encourage anyone who spots any such activity to report it as soon as possible.”
Graffiti can be reported to the Council via: www.swindon.gov.uk/
