Thurles graffiti artist given 100 hours community service for defacing property

A man living in Thurles but originally from Latvia was ordered to undergo 100 hours of community service at Thurles District Court, for defacing and drawing graffiti on walls, buildings and other property in the town last year.

Evidence was heard at a previous Court that Pater Andrejevs, of 4 An Grianan, Kickham Street, Thurles, was charged with a series of graffiti related offences around Thurles on various dates in November and December, 2017.

Judge MacGrath heard that there were 18 charges against Andrejevs in total, relating to graffiti damage at multiple locations in Friar Street, Croke Street, Westgate, Liberty Square, Mitchell Street, Kickham Street, and the Stradavoher Industrial Estate, Thurles.

Most of the graffiti was done with a marker which is not so hard to remove, but a minority was done using spray, which is harder to remove, said a Court Sergeant.

Judge MacGrath adjourned the case to September 25th last, both for Victim Impact Statements, and to assess the issue of compensation and cost of clean up from the injured parties.

Solicitor Mr Brian Hughes said it was a “curious case”.

Mr Andrejevs (30) has been in Ireland for 10 years, and has three children. He is not currently working. Andrejevs has no prior convictions, and co-operated fully with Gardaí.

“He made admissions in custody. Full and frank admissions,” said Mr Hughes.

Judge MacGrath said she noted the personal statements from the victims, and the “huge imposition” the graffiti caused, as the victims had to clean it up themselves.

“Your client did not clean up the mess himself,” the Judge told Mr Hughes.

Judge MacGrath said Andrejevs should “give something back to the community” and directed he undertake 100 hours of community service, in lieu of 3 months imprisonment.