Chris Chalkley, chairman of PRSC, is remanded to appear at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 3rd February 2010 at 9.45am. Mr. Chalkley is accused of Criminal Damage, having painted a sign on the 5102 Building at the bottom of Stokes Croft between 28/8/09 and 1/9/09, allegedly causing damage of between £150 and £200.
The sign that he painted is shown below.
Detail below.
Mr. Chalkley has pleaded not guilty and will be mounting a robust defence of his action.
Scheduled to appear for the prosecution are the Project Manager for Clean and Green (Anti- graffiti) and the property manager.
Mr. Chalkley’s defence team will be calling several witnesses.
The trial is expected to last all day.
See the links below for relevant reading…
Click here to see the Criminal Damage Act 1971
The two documents are essential reading for those who are going to spend the day in court.
All are welcome. Please pass this information to all thase who may be interested.
Chris Chalkley pictured below in the St. Werburgh’s Tunnel, a site currently used for painting; No official permission was sought by the local community.
The Council are SO sad and petty. i really hope you win this case Chris, you have done so much for Stokes Croft, its amazing what you have done.
The very best to Chris. During the first Gulf War I wrote ‘War is the Absence of Love’ on the bill-board hoarding that used to exist on the corner of Ashley Road and Stokes Croft. I hadn’t even considered that I was doing anything criminal. However, I was arrested, charged with criminal damage in the sum of around £300 – £500 (can’t quite remember but very high, we’re talking about a hoarding usually plastered with posters and flyers). Anyway, I was found guilty and elected to go to prison rather than pay a fine for something I didn’t consider to be criminal. Pucklechurch was not great, though the week I spent there was interesting. Again, good luck Chris. Liz B.
P.S. The ‘graffitti’ was never removed and it was several months before the fly posters covered up what I had painted. Every so often, over the years, it would re-emerge when the posters and flyers were steam cleaned off the hoarding.
It clearly enhances a dull wall with a sense of warm community spirit. You’re welcome to mural my house anytime 😀
Wow i diddnt realise they took these things so seriously ,if they hate it that much all it needs is a lick of paint. At worst they should just make you go paint over it?
good luck mate.
This is a restrained, subtle and tasteful piece of graffiti in a part of town that is not exactly beautiful or full of classical architecture. Is ridiculous of the authorities to make such a big fuss of it.
Very best of luck with a vigorous defence.
Had a quick look at the legal article you cited. Complicated reasoning, but clearly there’s some prospect of arguing that whether it’s really damage is in the eye of the beholder.
What a BIG joke. I’ll try & get as many of my folks to spread word of this article &/or attend the hearing.
This is so upsetting! It’s a joy to travel through the area with the new art in place, anything added just adds to the experience. It was hardly a distructive eyesore.
Good on you Chris, hope it all went well yesterday!