Suspected accused of painting postboxes in Temple Hill in Dartford has been charged
Published: 13:20, 11 March 2024
Updated: 14:28, 12 March 2024
A man has admitted going on a painting spree, turning scores of postboxes from their traditional red into a range of different colours and patterns.
Danny Whiskin, 33, of Chaucer Way, Dartford, appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with criminal damage to 37 postboxes in the Temple Hill area.
The incidents, involving the use of spray paint, happened between Wednesday, January 31 and Saturday, March 9.
Officers initially arrested a man on Tuesday, February 13, who was subsequently bailed pending further inquiries.
He was further arrested on Saturday, March 9, following a report of another incident, and remanded in custody until Monday’s hearing.
The sudden transformation of a string of Royal Mail postboxes from red to gold around Temple Hill in Dartford last month led police to release an image of a man and arrest a suspect.
However, following the arrest on February 13 a number of the postboxes were targeted again.
This time they were daubed with pink and yellow spots in homage to the 90s TV character Mr Blobby. One was transformed to look like a Cadbury Creme Egg.
Most recently a postbox was painted with a Union Jack pattern, another in leopard print – after a request on social media – and one to replicate a Drumstick lolly.
Whilst some residents welcomed the change of colour, saying it “brightened their day” and “put a smile on their face”, others branded it “pure vandalism”.
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “We have been engaging with Kent Police on this matter and are supporting their investigation.
“In the meantime, we are restoring the affected postboxes to their original red.”
Royal Mail refused to disclose the cost of repainting the postboxes, some of which were targeted again after being returned to their original colour.
The majority of the incidents happened in Temple Hill and surrounding roads.
Whiskin indicated a guilty plea at Monday’s hearing and the case was adjourned for sentencing. He was released on conditional bail and will appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on May 31.
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Keely Greenwood