Self-described ‘graffiti granny’ fined but avoids community service for vandalism

A self-described “graffiti granny” will pay a $1,700 fine rather than serve 80 hours community service, after vandalising a number of street signs with the letters “WTF” in Adelaide’s inner southern suburbs last year.

Mary Kolusniewski, 75, pleaded guilty to five counts of property damage over the defacing of signs on Weller Street, Goodwood, between July and August last year.

Ms Kolusniewski had spray-painted the signs to protest against the City of Unley installing speed humps and one-lane choke points to try to slow down drivers as part of a plan to make the street safer for cyclists, who use it to get to Adelaide’s CBD.

She had been placed on a 12-month good-behaviour bond and ordered to undertake 80 hours of community service.

Her lawyer Con O’Neill told the Adelaide Magistrates Court while Ms Kolusniewski had driven to Port Adelaide several times to try and complete her community service, she was told upon arrival she would be physically unable to complete the work.

“She’s 75, she suffers from vertigo and emphysema,” Mr O’Neill said.

Mr O’Neill suggested that his client, who is a piano teacher by trade, instead could pay a fine of $500 or perform in nursing homes, as an alternative form of community service work.

The court heard as Ms Kolusniewski had not completed any of the 80 hours, a straight conversion into a fine would amount to $2,933.

Magistrate Christopher Smolicz agreed to discount the amount, to $1,700, as Ms Kolusniewski is on an aged pension.

Speaking outside court, Ms Kolusniewski — who referred to herself as the “graffiti granny” — said she was “happy” the matter had been resolved.

“It’s all over now, I can just go home and play the piano,” she said.

“They destroyed a beautiful old street in Goodwood, a lovely old heritage street, [with] no signage, nothing, no speed humps.

“Now it’s got seven speed humps [and] 28 signs.”