A GRAPHIC artist from the West Country caused over £4,000 of damage after a graffiti vandalism spree at a Gwent railway station.
Don Midasoni, 32, of Hartcliffe Way, Bristol, targeted train carriages at Rhymney station depot.
He was arrested by British Transport Police officers after Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology and cell site data linked his mobile phone and vehicle to the area on the date of the vandalism.
After seizing items from his property, numerous photographs and videos were found of the graffiti offences taking place in Rhymney.
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Midasoni pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage, committed on February 22 and March 11, 2018.
At Cardiff Crown Court, he was handed a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, and ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
The defendant must also complete up to six days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.
He must also pay £4,216.17 in compensation to Arriva Trains Wales and a £140 in victim surcharge.
Outside the court, investigating officer Police Constable Ashley Wilkins said: “Graffiti is not a victimless crime – it is in fact vandalism, which has huge financial implications for the rail industry and the trains people travel on.
“Midasoni is a prolific offender who caused extensive damage. I hope this sentence sends a clear warning that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated on the railway, and these offenders will be brought before the courts.”
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