Sentenced for graffiti damage (From News Shopper)

Sentenced for graffiti damage

7:53am Thursday 7th December 2006

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A "PROLIFIC graffiti vandal" has been jailed for a year and slapped with an Asbo after causing more than £22,000 damage to trains.

James Lyons, of Reigate Road, Bromley, pleaded not guilty but was convicted of two counts of criminal damage at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court last Friday.

This followed a lengthy police investigation which included handwriting analysis and forensics.

The 19-year-old, who was a member of graffiti vandal gang the IWS Crew, had denied breaking into the Grove Park railway depot and scrawling his "Sloe" tag on trains in February and June last year.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Donna Fox, from the British Transport Police, said: "Lyons is a prolific graffiti vandal.

"The court has recognised only a custodial sentence could curtail his vandalism and highly anti-social behaviour.

"Police welcome this sentence, and hope it provides a deterrent to others."

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