A 20-YEAR-old man has been ordered to pay more than £4,000 in compensation after admitting 10 counts of criminal damage over incidents of graffiti in Dorchester.

He appeared at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 11, after previously pleading guilty to the offences and for having an article with intent to damage property – a can of spray paint.

The defendant was ordered to pay compensation totalling £4,345.44.

Reports were received of graffiti appearing in areas including Trinity Street, South Street, Weymouth Avenue, the Borough Gardens and Brewery Square, as well as a further incidents in Tudor Arcade and Hardye Arcade between March 21 and 27.

“Officers from Dorchester Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out an investigation into the incidents, which led to the offender being brought to justice,” a Dorset Police spokesperson said.

“We want residents and visitors to enjoy being in Dorchester and we recognise that graffiti can have a significant impact on our town.

“We are committed to taking positive action and reduce any impact on property owners and the wider community.

“We encourage residents and visitors to report incidents of graffiti – especially if it is offensive in nature – via the Dorset Police website www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.”