A PROLIFIC graffiti vandal has been banned from the railway for a year after targeting trains and stations in Bournemouth.

Thomas Whitton, 26, from Old Christchurch Road, admitted a string of offences at Bournemouth Magistrates Court.

He was handed a nine-week suspended sentence and ordered to pay more than £2,000 in compensation after pleading guilty to nine offences.

The court heard he targeted stations and trains in the Bournemouth area between January 2013 and June 2014, using marker pens and paint to daub his distinctive tag on carriages and rail property.

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Acting on intelligence, British Transport Police officers arrested Whitton on June 9.

The court heard that a search of his flat uncovered photos of his graffiti and several short videos of him ‘tagging’ trains.

Officers also found a large number of spray cans as well as sketch books and canvases containing Whitton’s tag.

He also admitted spraying a carriage on the Swanage Heritage Railway.

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Detective Constable Phil James said: “Whitton caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to trains and stations.

“We take criminal damage very seriously and work hard with our partners in the rail industry to tackle graffiti.

“I hope Whitton will now take the opportunity to reflect on his actions and channel his energy into non-criminal activities.”

Whitton was ordered to pay £1,044 to Swanage Railway, £500 to Network Rail, £247 to South West Trains, £555 to First Great Western and £150 court costs.