Polite British vandal guilty of car damage
LONDON -- A British professor who specializes in cities and urban life has been convicted of damaging luxury cars with graffiti that was surprisingly polite.
Stephen Graham was found guilty yesterday of using a screwdriver to scrawl inoffensive words such as "very silly," "really wrong" and "arbitrary" into the paintwork of vehicles including a Mercedes, an Audi and a Volvo.
Prosecutors said the spree caused $29,000 in damage.
Graham, who teaches at Newcastle University in northeast England, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at Newcastle Crown Court.
Graham's lawyer said the 47-year-old academic had no recollection of his August vandalism spree.
Graham previously blamed a bad reaction to alcohol, antibiotics and prescription drugs for his behavior.
Judge James Gos said he would sentence Graham next month.-- AP
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Out East Show: Visit The Shamrock evergreen maze, Sannino Vineyard, Seven Ponds Orchard and the Warrior Ranch Foundation NewsdayTV's Doug Geed is heading 'Out East' to showcase the ultimate local spots you need to explore.
