6 Australian graf artists gaoled in UK

Six Australian graffiti artists were found guilty of painting British trains and have been gaoled in London.

The gang of six known as the AMF Crew painted internationally before being caught in London and found guilty of conspiracy to commit criminal damage. Other work by AMF has since been spotted in Japan and Australia.

Judge Michael Gledhill on sentencing the crew on June 18, showed some ambivalence in doing so: he said it was "appalling" to see "talented" graffiti artists sitting in the dock. So called 'ringleader' of the graffiti gang Marcus Wisman, 22, was sentenced to 16 months for conspiracy to commit criminal damage. Scott Mulhearn, 21, Adrian Hing, 22, Luke Vassell, 23, Jack Shumack, 24, and Alex Wisman, 24, were also jailed over the vandalism attacks between late summer and Boxing Day last year. They are also wanted in five other jurisdictions.

Media described their 'crime' as leaving "a trail of international destruction" and called their coordinated art works "defacing" and the act of painting them "attacks".

It is alleged that they caused 70,000 pounds worth of damage to property in a six month long bombing stint. The court heard that each of the men has an interest in graphic art.

The graffiti artists were caught in Ilford, East London, by police officers who heard their cans and smelt paint.

In 2008 the irony of graffiti gaolings in the UK was highlighted when the DPM crew were tried and gaoled while down the road at the Tate Gallery their supporters were having a reknown exhibition.

Is Graffitti Art or Crime?:
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/graffiti-street-art-ndash-or...

Comments

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23837798@N04/3471037959/ The picture of the graffiti-train is stolen from me (oerendhard1)

graffiti is life, people do graffiti to show a tallent and skill towards the style of art work.
with out these "vandals" as some may call them, how boring would this place be?
it brightens up the place and artistic projects legal or illegal should be premoted.
i dont see it as destrusction or vandalism i see it as fun and enjoyment for graffiti artist.
you see the government putting there face all over tv, news papers and posters, its the same concept but more artistic.
and besides would you rather your children growing up being artistic or a drug addict.
i dont see the point in heavy charges when there are people out there being assaulted and drugs every where and when they get charged its a slap on the wrist.
one word somes it all up. the laws these days are pathetic.