[F]our men, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit criminal damage, were sentenced on Monday (24 April) at Manchester Crown Court.
Maguire also pleaded guilty to an additional charge of possession of Class A and B drugs.
The defendants:
- Maksym Tyshkul (19) of Bury Old Road, Prestwich
- Mark Paterson (25) of Rosewood Avenue, Paisley, Scotland
- Joshua Maguire (21) of Bury Old Road, Prestwich
- Jamie Hollis (25) of Ringway, Northampton
Each of the defendants received a custodial sentence of nine months in prison.
The gang targeted trains and property belonging to a number of operators including Northern, Merseyrail, London Midland and London Underground.
The British Transport Police investigation started in 2015 following an increase in reported offences of graffiti in the Manchester area.
Enquiries identified Paterson, Maguire and Tyshkul as potential suspects and all three were arrested and warrants executed to search their addresses.
A number of items were seized from their homes linking them to the offences and in Maguire’s case, Class A and Class B drugs were also recovered.
In police interview all three declined to comment when questioned about their involvement in the offences.
During the investigation Hollis was also identified as a suspect and he was arrested and a search of his home executed.
He too refused to answer questions in interview, despite mounting evidence linking all four to the offences.
During the house searches, incriminating evidence was uncovered including messages between the group, video footage, trophy photographs and paint cans.
Investigating officer PC Tony McGibbon, said: “Items seized from the four addresses uncovered indisputable evidence documenting the damage which gave the gang little choice but to admit the offences.
“A total of 13 offences were linked to the group – at a cost to the rail industry of more than 30k, an amount that is reflected in the cost of cleaning, repair and replacement of trains; security measures to prevent and deter repeat offences and loss of revenue from trains being withdrawn and cancelled.
“The sentences handed to the four today reflect the seriousness of the offences and the far reaching consequences of graffiti for society which include an increased fear of crime and for the rail network which is hit hard financially by repair costs.
“It is by no means a victim less crime and we will always strive to bring those responsible before the courts.
“You can help us by playing your part; if you notice anyone acting suspiciously or vandalising the railway report it by texting 61016 or calling 0800 405040 We will then investigate.”
