Teenage graffiti vandal caught '“ after spraying his own nickname at Sunderland seafront

Darren Canavan, 19, sprayed graffiti – including his nickname Doo – at the award-winning seafront in the summer, Sunderland magistrates heard.

However, the teenager was caught after a local police officer who knew him, recognised the name.

“This relates the damage of the pavement area at Seaburn Promenade on August 26 last year,” prosecutor Phil Morley said.

“At about 2.10pm officers received a report that there had been graffiti sprayed on the pavement, with paint, including the word ‘Doo’, causing damage.

“The graffiti has now been removed, but it will have taken the council time and effort.”

Canavan, of Westheath Avenue, Grangetown, was arrested and later pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

Joanne Gatens, defending, said: “The local beat manager knows the nickname Darren goes by, and he was able to identify him from the name and the spray cans.”

Ms Gatens said Canavan is a carer for a relation and claims benefits.

“He’s already accepted he is guilty,” she added. “Three years have passed since the last conviction. Since this was committed he has completed that referral order.

“This is relatively-minor damage, but obviously there was inconvenience to the council having to clean it up.”

Canavan was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge and was told to pay £85 costs and £15 victim surcharge.