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...