Man escapes jail for Marischal College vandalism

A man has escaped jail after vandalising Marischal College in Aberdeen. Picture: Contributed

Christian Weir previously pleaded guilty at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to vandalising the city’s Grade ‘A’ listed Marischal College.

The 23-year-old caused widespread outrage after he scrawled “Ye Have Not Yet Done What Ye Ought” in large black letters across the building on June 28.

Weir appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court today where he was sentenced to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the community as an alternative to jail.

He was also ordered to pay total compensation of over 2,100 pounds for his vandalism spree which also targeted a bank, shopping centre and the city’s Town House.

The graffiti at Marischal College on view for almost two months due to fears that removing it would cause permanent damage to the Grade A listed building.

The former University of Aberdeen building - which dates back to 1837 - was renovated in 2011 when it became the headquarters of Aberdeen City Council.

Councillors had to consult with Historic Scotland and masonry experts before Weir’s crude artwork could be removed.

The vandalism was successfully removed in August using a mixture of water and kiln-dried sand.

Weir also admitted spray painting the council’s Town House on June 27, the Union Square shopping centre on June 25 and a bank in the city’s Old Aberdeen area some time between June 1 and June 28.

Depute Leader of Aberdeen City Council, Marie Boulton said: “I am pleased that this individual has been punished for his thoughtless disfigurement of Aberdeen’s most loved and most beautiful building.

“It was a thoroughly childish act of vandalism which appalled the citizens of Aberdeen.

“I hope the punishment will send out a clear message that offenders who disrespect public property in this way will be brought to book and made to pay the consequences for their juvenile behaviour.”