A VANDAL who went on a rampage with cans of spray paint has been ordered to pay thousands of pounds in compensation.

Among the things targeted by Liam Lynn was a Tommy silhouette – a memorial to soldiers who gave their lives fighting for their country during the First World War.

The actions of the 24-year-old earlier this year received widespread criticism from residents who slammed his ‘lack of respect’.

Lynn learned the outcome of his mindless vandalism at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 2, where he faced three counts of criminal damage.

The court heard from Natasha Williamson, prosecuting, how all of the graffiti was sprayed on January 14.

Cheshire Police was informed of vandalism to the Royal British Legion 'Tommy' silhouette on the village green off Chester Road in Walton.

The tributes, which are designed, made and fulfilled by veterans, cost £175 and serve as an impressive and permanent reminder of our nation's fallen soldiers, as well as those who continue to serve.

But officers found that a vandal had spray painted the word ‘slim’ on it, as well as a wall belonging to Peel Ports and a wall belonging to The Stag pub.

According to court documents, the value of damage to the Tommy figure was ‘unknown’, however damage to the Peel and Stag walls was valued at £3,204 and £1,500 respectively.

At the time, Cheshire Police appealed for anyone with information about the vandalism to come forward and stated it had received several reports of the vandalism.

Officers also praised members of the community who cleaned off some of the damage caused by the paint.

In February, the force confirmed that after carrying out enquiries in the area and information being received from residents, officers had identified the man ‘involved in causing the damage’.

The suspect was interviewed and questioned regarding the incidents, with Lynn later charged.

Appearing in court, the defendant pleaded guilty to all three charges.

Lynn, of Guernsey Close in Appleton, was sentenced by magistrates to a conditional discharge for two years.

This means no punishment is imposed, but if he does commit another offence withing the next two years, he will be brought back to court to be sentenced for both the old and new offences.

He was also ordered to pay compensation of £4,954, court costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £120 and a surcharge to find victim services of £26.