http://www.southwesttrains.co.uk/SWTrains/News/_GRAFFITI+ARTIST+CAUGHT+RED-HANDED+BY+DEPOT+STAFF.htm
Graffiti artist caught red-handed by depot staff
A graffiti artist has been ordered to pay almost £5,000 in compensation after being charged with criminal damage to a train at Salisbury Traincare Depot.
Paul Hewett, a 21 year old student was apprehended whilst spraying his tag on a train on 3 February 2007. Mr Hewett was spotted on CCTV by staff at the depot, two of which are Special Constables in the British Transport Police, who arrested him for criminal damage and took him to Salisbury Police station. As Mr Hewett was being led away he was prevented from disposing of evidence by the vigilant staff.
Ray Hewitt, Production Manager at Salisbury depot and Special Constable also recovered all Hewetts clothing and established that he had driven to the depot in his own vehicle. The vehicle was subsequently searched where several aerosol paint cans, paint, hand wipes and disposable gloves were recovered. A house search produced further evidence, including paperwork with exact replicas of the tag being sprayed that night and more aerosol paint cans.
PC Tim Weekes, the officer in the case, searched for other offences where Mr Hewetts tag had been used. He was subsequently charged with two counts of criminal damage and admitted a further seven counts, which were taken into consideration. He was sentenced on 21 March 2007 to 18 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay compensation of £4,871.
Mac Mackintosh, our Engineering Director said: Graffiti is the scourge of the rail network and is soul-destroying for the depot teams who are constantly removing daubings, which are often obscene and offensive, from our trains. This result sends out a clear message that we are out to catch offenders and will press for the strongest possible convictions. All the depot staff involved have been recommended for commendations.
Acting Detective Sergeant Sarah White at the BTP, said: Graffiti is an operational target for the British Transport Police. Due to the staffs enthusiasm, quick thinking and professional manner in which they apprehended the offender, vital evidence was recovered forming a crucial part of the police investigation. This is an excellent result for both South West Trains and The British Transport Police.
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