A man who daubed “truly shocking” irreligious slogans near schools in Thanet has been committed to a secure hospital under the Mental Health Act.

Wayne Maly’s graffiti campaign in Margate and Broadstairs last year resulted in taxpayers having to pay the £26,000 bill for the clean- up operation.

The 35 year old - who suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder - chalked his messages on footpaths, bus stops and children’s play areas near schools.

Maly, of Coleman Crescent, Ramsgate targeted Jesus Christ and his mother, Mary for his “deeply offensive and often blasphemous and sexually explicit” slogans.

Canterbury Crown Court heard how police began investigating complaints from people who came across the writings done in chalk and pen.

It eventually led officers to Maly’s home where they discovered chalk rock in his bedroom.

Although he denied a racially aggravated criminal damage, he eventually pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of causing criminal damage to the walls.

He made several court appearances as doctors investigated his mental health and later diagnosed that he was suffering from ASD - which is believed to be susceptible to psychiatric treatment.

Judge Simon James said: “This has been a most troubling case from the outset. The defendant had embarked on a persistent graffiti campaign.

“This involved him writing bizarre, deeply offensive and often blasphemous and sexually explicit slogans with both chalk and marker pens in areas which seem to me were clearly and specifically intended to expose children to their content.”

Judge James added that as well as putting the council to the cost of cleaning up the graffiti, the “language used and sentiments expressed were truly shocking”.

The judge added that Maly’s “presentation and demeanour” in the courtroom had been “ from time to time, unusual” giving rise for concerns among lawyers and family members for the state of his mental health.

Judge James said that Maly had also assaulted his mother in the past and she had “out of her love and concern” written a letter to the court.

He said that the offence clearly deserved a jail sentence but he felt that a Hospital Order was the best solution.

The judge made an order under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act - which will mean he remains at a secure hospital until doctors think it is safe for him to be released.