ONE OF the two jailed graffiti artists has revealed concern for his co-defendant in emotional letters sent from prison to family and friends back home.
TJ Dolan, 20, of Leek Road, Sutton, was jailed for 15 months after pleading guilty to vandalising railway property at Manchester Crown Court two weeks ago.
Writing from Lancaster Farms prison, he expressed worries about fellow spray can artist and co-defendant Tom Whittaker, 18, of Brocklehurst Avenue, who was imprisoned for 12 months after also admitting offences.
He said: "Me and Tom have been separated. I don’t know where he is. There is no reason we’re not together... and the staff don’t know why we are separated.
"I am very worried about him... and I am really concerned on how he will be coping. I’m finding not knowing increasingly difficult and feel I have to help him."
The pair, who have been friends since taking art courses at Macclesfield College, have now been moved to Deerbolt prison in County Durham, but it is unknown whether they are together.
TJ’s letter also revealed he was thinking of the young offenders and underprivileged children he works with at art projects in Manchester, calling them "my kids".
He said: "It’s a different world in here and I know I say things like that about my kids (at work) but this really hits home.
"Having such a part to play in my community and now coming here with very little control on everything is hard."
Local graffiti artists are currently working on a campaign to free the duo, who are known by their tags "Krek" (TJ) and "Mers" (Tom).
So far around 1,400 people have united in support of the Macclesfield boys on the ‘Free Kreky’ group on social networking website Facebook.
Friends are also holding a ‘Skate and Graf Jam’, on London Road, Manchester, on Saturday, September 15, to raise awareness of their case.
And Note shop in Manchester’s Northern Quarter has even started selling ‘Free Krek Free Mers’ T-shirts.
The jailed artist’s letters also thanked family and friends for writing to him and talked of the "zoo of angry people" he encountered in prison.
He said: "Already it’s sinking in how good everything is beyond this zoo of angry people, out there, where we belong.
"The people I’ve met say ‘yo, he looks like Oasis, innit!’ So they’re not far off (wink wink). Think I may get a haircut – I’ve been advised to by staff and inmates, but it seems a shame to change who you are even in small aspects."
He ended the letter: "I can’t believe I’m here, it’s bound to be difficult but some people are here for good and there is a big light on for after my time here. Love you everyday, see you very soon – I’m fine."
The two boys have announced they are to appeal against sentence.
YOU can read the letters in full by clicking on the link to the right ...
Showing comments 1 to 15 and replies | View All
Ally Parker (12/09/2007 at 15:49)
FREE KREK & MERS
X (12/09/2007 at 17:15)
FREE KREK AND MERS X
Lucy Smith, Macclesfield (12/09/2007 at 19:18)
=]
Phil Heathcote (12/09/2007 at 19:39)
FREE KREK AND MERS!!!!
For all those who really want to see what the Graff art and Skating Community is all about, get yourselves to the skate park on London RD in Manchester. Its going to be a big event. Whether your young or old you'll be welcomed and it'll be a chance to see that they arent all thugs or nasty people. Just people who enjoy what they do and have a positive outlook!
Phil Heathcote
emoali (13/09/2007 at 09:56)
as phil says:
For all those who really want to see what the Graff art and Skating Community is all about, get yourselves to the skate park on London RD in Manchester. Its going to be a big event. Whether your young or old you'll be welcomed and it'll be a chance to see that they arent all thugs or nasty people. Just people who enjoy what they do and have a positive outlook!
FREE KREKY AND MERS
J.B. (13/09/2007 at 10:54)
Phil Heathcote (13/09/2007 at 23:32)
your all so cynical, negative and fail to look at the facts.
If your fed up of "the Bleeting" about this pair then can i suggest you take your cynical, negative and personal stabs elsewhere.
Has anyone else noticed that all the personal and immature comments are coming from the side opposing Free Krek and Mers. hmmm... just goes to show us 'thugs', 'hoodys' and 'anti-social types' have a good point and the cynics are short of a good argument so are resorting to personal jibes
Phil Heathcote
Free KREK and MERS
Michael S, Surrey (14/09/2007 at 14:25)
Have we gone mad? Of course these lads should be punished but is this not a case for a severe example of community service and an appropriate fine? If it has to be a sentence of loss of liberty then three months might be more appropriate. To impose a sentence having such an effect on their higher education is excessive retribution. Let¿s have a sense of proportion here.
alvinlwh (14/09/2007 at 16:10)
Willy K (16/09/2007 at 00:29)
Ed Lomas, Macclesfield (16/09/2007 at 10:07)
David Wood, Macclesfield (17/09/2007 at 17:49)
I have read all the previous comments and feel strongly these two men should not have been sent to prison. In this country we lock up far too many people and there is no evidence of benefit to society, with the exception of those who pose a serious danger to others.
These men pose no such risk. Their punishment should without a doubt have been community based and they should be released speedily.
Bill Bloggs (18/09/2007 at 01:07)
Michael S, Surrey (01/10/2007 at 15:20)
midway, West Germany (04/10/2007 at 17:14)