A VANDAL who went on a wrecking spree in Wrexham was caught after signing his name in spray paint.

Police arrested James Anthony White, 22, on the same day after recognising his signature on a wall and then matching it to paint on cars which had been damaged.

White, who was arrested when on licence from prison, was jailed for six months at a special Saturday court in Wrexham.

He admitted two charges of criminal damage on Norman Road, one charge of criminal damage on Stockwell Grove and one charge of theft of a stereo from a car on Stockwell Grove.

The offences happened overnight on Thursday going into Friday and White, of no fixed address, also asked magistrates to take into consideration 16 other criminal damage charges.

Among those affected by the Hightown vandalism, which saw 19 cars being sprayed, was school groundsman Rob Burke whose car window was smashed and his car stereo stolen.

St Christopher’s School worker Rob, 54, said he felt “gutted” about the incident.

He said: “When I phoned the police up they said they had had a few complaints.

“There were about 20 cars damaged by spray paint, including a van with children’s play equipment in.

“Some of those affected in my street were pensioners too.”

Community Beat Sergeant Iwan Roberts, who covers the Hightown area, said: “He used a white spray paint and then put his signature on a wall somewhere.

“He was arrested on the same day and was at court on Saturday.

“I’m pleased we have been able to help the members of the public affected by bringing him to justice so quickly.

“Police will also be going to the area to carry out reassurance visits.”