Graffiti Girl

I’m sure all of us living in Sydney remember this case. Way back in January 09, then 18 year old Cheyene Back was arrested for tagging a café wall in Hyde Park in black permanent marker. She was caught on one of the CCTV cameras that are all over the place down there. She allegedly wrote the word “2shie” which was 30cm high and 60cm in length.

The best picture of the graffiti I could find was here. A bit pitiful, I know, but you get the idea.

She was originally charged to 3 months jail time, which is a bit ludicrous, considering her age, and the fact that this was her first offence. Back said in a statement ““I think (the sentence) was absolutely ridiculous for my first charge and for something so small,” She appealed that sentence, and eventually got it reduced to a twelve month good behaviour bond, which was deemed more approprite for her age and crime.

But, on the other hand, I kind of see where the first magistrate was coming from. It looks like tagging and other graffiti of that kind is becoming an increasing problem in and around N ew South Wales. A 2008 report showed that annual graffiti cleaning cost totaled over $2.7 million, and its is suggested that this figure continue to rise.

So, what do you guys think? Should she have been thrown in jail, or is this all a bit insane for a little scribble? Share your thoughts