A GRAFFITI artist has paid the price for his "art" - almost £5,000 compensation for damage to a train at South West Trains' Salisbury traincare depot.

Paul Hewett, a 21-year-old student, was caught on CCTV spraying his tag on a train on February 3.

Staff at the depot, two of whom are special constables in the British Transport Police, arrested him for criminal damage and took him to Salisbury Police Station.

The conviction was thanks to the determination of the staff in recovering and preserving evidence at the scene and obtaining photos and statements of damage.

Ray Hewitt, production manager at Salisbury depot and a special constable, recovered Hewett's clothing and established he had driven to the depot. Several aerosol paint cans, paint, hand wipes and disposable gloves were found when the vehicle was searched. A house search found further evidence, including paperwork with exact replicas of the tag being sprayed that night, and more aerosol paint cans.

PC Tim Weekes, the officer in the case, searched for other signs where Hewett's tag had been used, and he was subsequently charged with two counts of criminal damage and admitted a further seven counts, which were taken into consideration.

When he apeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court, Hewett was given an 18 months' conditional discharge and ordered to pay £4,871 compensation to South West Trains.

Mac Mackintosh, South West Trains' engineering director, said: "Graffiti is the scourge of the rail network and is soul-destroying for depot teams who are constantly removing daubings, which are often obscene and offensive, from our trains.

"This result sends out a clear message we are out to catch offenders and will press for the strongest possible convictions."

He added all the staff involved - Raymond Hewitt, James Shutler, Stephen Nixon and Steve Gilkes - have been recommended for commendations.