Teenager charged over St. John's graffiti
Last Updated: Monday, June 18, 2007 | 1:51 PM NT
CBC News
Police in St. John's have laid charges in connection with graffiti that was plastered over some of the city's best-known landmarks.

Matthew Sloan, 19, a resident of Conception Bay South, appeared Monday in provincial court. He has been charged with four counts of mischief.

Matthew Sloan, left, has been charged with four counts of mischief involving graffiti.
(CBC) The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says the charges related to graffiti that had been spray-painted at the Colonial Building — the former home of Newfoundland and Labrador's legislature — and at nearby Bannerman Park.

The RNC said the charges also relate to spray painting at Bowring Park and at a downtown parking garage.

Police searched a home in Conception Bay South on Friday night and seized what the RNC described as a "large quantity" of spray paint cans, as well as drawings and other items.

Sloan's case was set over to June 26. The court imposed a number of conditions upon him, including a curfew.

Graffiti has become more widespread in the St. John's area recently, with city council appointing a task force this spring to help deal with the issue.

Last month, Mayor Andy Wells said an appropriate punishment for anyone convicted of spray-painting would be forcing them to clean up the mess.

Meanwhile, police said a graffiti-related investigation opened in March is still underway and that further charges are expected.