A Brighton teenager has been sentenced to carry out 200 hours of community service for graffiti tagging.
Thomas McCatty, 18, of Compton Avenue, just off the Seven Dials, was also ordered to pay £1,000 in compensation for the criminal damage caused by his graffiti.
McCatty admitted 15 counts of criminal damage when he appeared before Brighton magistrates.
The bench took into account 94 “tags” in the Brighton and Hove area when sentencing McCatty today.
PC James Conway said: “Graffiti tagging on private property is illegal and this case sends a clear message to offenders that it will not be tolerated by Sussex Police.
“Cleaning property damaged by tagging is a costly process and affects not only businesses and local authorities but also members of the public.”
Sussex Police worked with Brighton and Hove City Council after McCatty was seen spraying a graffiti tag by a police dog handler on 10 May last year.
Staff from the council’s graffiti team linked McCatty’s tag to others found in the area.
Locations targeted by McCatty included London Road, Dyke Road and The Level.
The council’s cabinet member for environment, Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, said: “This is a good example of how, by working with the police, we can tackle environmental crime, track down offenders and bring those responsible for spoiling our city before the courts.”
