Graffiti artist may still avoid conviction

The Invercargill graffiti artist known as "Clap" still has the opportunity to avoid a conviction.

The 31-year-old retailer appeared in the Invercargill District Court on Tuesday on four charges of wilful damage and five of intentional damage, including representative charge covering damage to 31 buildings and property in the Invercargill CBD.

The police diversion scheme allows mostly first-time offenders to avoid a criminal record, provided they accept responsibility and complete a series of tasks.

Judge Duncan Harvey continued the man’s interim name suppression on the basis that diversion had been offered.

The defendant’s counsel Keith Owen had to withdraw due to a conflict.

The man is due to appear again on January 30.