University lecturer ordered to pay thousands for Newcastle car graffiti

A Newcastle University professor has been ordered to pay £28,000 compensation for scratching bizarre graffiti on cars parked near his home.

City and society expert Stephen Graham had taken a combination of alcohol and medication when he attacked 27 cars in the Jesmond area of Newcastle last August.

Judge Guy Whitburn at Newcastle Crown Court accepted his behaviour was totally out of character but said the compensation - which amounted effectively to the 48-year-old professor and his wife's total life savings - must be paid in full.

The judge suspended a nine month jail sentence for a year.


Graffiti professor sentenced

A Newcastle University professor will be sentenced for scratching graffiti on luxury cars and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.