Police launch criminal damage investigation into new Banksy mural
The Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation after a new Banksy appeared outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
The mural, which appeared on September 8th, depicts a judge attacking a protester with a gavel, who is lying on the ground and holding on to a blood-stained placard. Shortly after it appeared, the artwork was quickly covered up by guards at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The anonymous artist took to his Instagram account to confirm it was a legitimate Banksy, sharing an image of the art alongside the caption, “Royal Courts Of Justice. London.”
HM Courts and Tribunals have since confirmed the mural will be removed from the Royal Courts of Justice. A spokesperson said: “The Royal Courts of Justice is a listed building and HMCTS is obliged to maintain its original character.”
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police confirmed they are currently investigating whether it is criminal damage, stating, “On Monday September 8, officers received a report of criminal damage to the side of the Royal Courts of Justice. Inquiries continue.”
Per LBC, a criminal damage conviction holds a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment if it is deemed to have caused more than £5,000 of damage. If the damage is under £5,000, it carries a maximum sentence of three months or a £2,500 fine.
As it stands, the mural is currently being guarded outside the Royal Courts of Justice and is also being watched on CCTV.
If the Metropolitan Police decide to charge Banksy for criminal damage, then his anonymity could be lost if he’s made to appear in court.
Banksy’s latest piece is seemingly a reference to the recent arrests of protestors, who are trying to reverse the ban on Palestine Action after it was officially proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government.
On September 6th, 890 supporters of Palestine Action were arrested in London at a demonstration. Most of these were detained under the Terrorism Act for supporting a proscribed group, while 17 were arrested for assaulting police officers.
