Jail sentence for train vandals

4:33pm Friday 10th October 2008

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TWO graffiti artists have been jailed for a combined total of four years for their part in a two-year vandalism campaign on the railways.

Tom Collister, aged 22, of Cherry Tree Way, West Wickham, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

Plumber Darren Austin, aged 21, of Mackenzie Road, Beckenham, was jailed for one and a half years after also admitting the charge.

Southwark Crown Court heard the pair defaced train carriages in organised overnight operations, causing an estimated £60,000-worth of damage.

Detective Sergeant Pete Thrush from British Transport Police said the vandals were so intent on causing damage that not even the threat of death had deterred them.

He said: "In 2004 Austin was arrested for trespassing on the railway in an incident where he received an electric shock from the 750 volt live rail.

“The court has recognised the seriousness of the offences and the risk these young men take with their lives. I would rather see people go to court than go to the morgue."