A TEENAGER who daubed graffiti across more than 30 sites in Worcester hung his head in shame as he apologised in court for his vandalism.

Ian Rogers yesterday urged others not to copy his actions as he was ordered to pay £650 towards the clean-up.

Droitwich magistrates heard how Rogers sprayed more than 30 properties across the city in the past year, costing more than £600 to clear.

He also scratched a Womble character with the words "funky ass" on the back of a cell door at Worcester Police station, after being arrested on Friday, May 11.

Shermila Dugal, prosecuting, said Rogers had admitted to four incidents of graffiti between Saturday, April 1 and May 11.

He then took officers around Worcester pointing out another 30 other sites he had vandalised.

She said the youth had sprayed the walls of Kwik Save in Angel Street, Housewives Choice in Angel Place and the Sony Centre in The Shambles, among others.

"His campaign had been going on for some time," she said.

Rogers, of Woodgate Green, Knighton on Teme, Tenbury Wells, admitted criminal damage.

Ann Brain, defending, said the 18-year-old had become involved in "youth culture" out of boredom after dropping out of college.

"He became interested in the youth culture, which includes skate boarding and BMX biking, but also involves graffiti," she said.

"He was emerging from his adolescence, something he is likely to do a little bit quicker after appearing in court. He had acted in naivety and was very surprised when he realised the amount of damage he had caused.

"He co-operated fully with police and found going around the city with officers very shaming and humiliating."

Rogers told magistrates he was "very sorry" and warned other offenders to stop.

"I would not advise anyone else to do it, I now realise it's not artistic," he said. "I really cannot justify it."

Magistrates gave Rogers two years conditional discharge and told him to pay £650 for the removal of his graffiti and £55 costs.