Bristol stencil artist to be tried for criminal damage

A man who allegedly stencilled a sign on to a block of flats in Stokes Croft will stand trial next year.

Christopher Chalkley, chairman of the People's Republic of Stokes Croft, was arrested at the end of September after a sign that reads "Welcome to Stokes Croft, Cultural Quarter, Conservation Area and Outdoor Gallery" was stencilled on to the side of the 5102 Apartments building by the St James Barton roundabout.

He was arrested by two plain clothes police officers and charged with causing criminal damage worth £150-£200, between August 28 and September 1.

Chalkley, 52, of Mogg Street, St Werburgh's, denied the charge at Bristol Magistrates' Court on October 9, and yesterday was told he will face trial in the new year.