A RACIST graffiti artist has pleaded guilty to racially and religiously aggravated criminal damage in South Oxhey at Watford Magistrates Court. Ross Beeton, 19, of Harborne Close, was arrested after a clamp down on racist behaviour.

He appeared in court on Monday. Chief Inspector Matt Nicholls, who set-up Operation Tend to deal with racist behaviour, said: "It was only by working effectively with community partners that we were able to make this significant arrest and therefore reduce the number of criminal incidents in the area by up to a third."

Beeton will be sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on January 12. To report criminal behaviour telephone the Oxhey Community team on 01923 472213, 0845 3300 222 or 0800 555111.