Graffiti menace jailed

Jun 12 2009 Irvine Herald

A GRAFFITI artist who left his personal tag all over a town has been jailed for four months.

Michael Cowan, 21, sprayed “Mask” on shop fronts and walls as well as a football ground, bus shelter and a phone box in Kilwinning.

He admitted 19 vandalism charges between May and June 2008, but was cleared of a further 19 sprayed messages.

Cowan caused thousands of pounds of damage at businesses including The Bed Depot, Kilwinning Rangers FC, Scottish Water, Garlands and Gifts, Shuttle Buses, Craig E Carpets and Arena Office Equipment in the town.

At Kilmarnock Sheriff Court Cowan, of Bathville Road, Kilbirnie, also admitted drug possession, breaking police bail and failing to appear in court.