Burglar caused damage to valuable painting

A YOUNG man who admitted damaging a valuable Sir Joshua Reynolds painting – owned by the council on behalf of the people of Plymouth – is set to be sentenced next week.

- CARL EVE

Declan Banks, aged 22 and from Nelson Street, Greenbank, was arrested by police after they were called to the Plymouth Guildhall on the morning of July 11. Witnesses at the time spoke of seeing police, as well as the fire service, at the historic building following reports that a man was on the roof of the building. During an earlier hearing at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court, where he appeared charged with criminal damage and burglary with intent to cause damage, it was revealed he was accused of causing in excess of £50,000 damage to the Plymouth Guildhall – including to a painting worth more than £30,000.

The court was told that fire crews were called at around 7.45am to assist police gain entry to a loft space to rescue a man from the roof. Banks was later arrested and charged.

District Judge Joanna Matson said Banks was accused of damaging a stained glass window, a lift and a painting “to the value of £50,000 belonging to Plymouth City Council”.

He was also accused of burglary by entering the Guildhall as a trespasser with intent to cause unlawful damage.