The Banksy mural that was painted on the Royal Courts of Justice in central London has been washed off – but its outline can still clearly be seen.
The image, which Banksy confirmed he had created, appeared on an external wall of the Queen’s Building on Monday, 8 September, depicts a protester lying on the ground holding a blood-spattered placard, while a judge, in a wig and gown, looms over him wielding a gavel.
It had been covered by large sheets of black plastic and two metal barriers and was reported as criminal damage as the building is listed and therefore legally protected.
The mural has now been jet-washed away after a spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunals confirmed that it would be removed – but its shadowed outline is still visible.
Chris Ing, 38, spotted the still-visible mural on his way home from work on Tuesday.
Workers were seeing washing the mural away after it appeared on the wall on Monday. (SWNS)
Members of the public flocked to the mural after it appeared on Monday, 8 September. (SWNS)
He said: “The police set up a cordon and people were power washing it. It’s all gone now – but you can still see the picture there.
Members of the public were keen to get a picture of the mural while it was still in its full form and some people attempted to move the blockade to get a photo.
Ing said that the decision to remove it was “surprising” as “it’s more than graffiti”.
Will Banksy’s identity be revealed?
Banksy confirmed he was responsible for the work with a post on Instagram, showing the graffiti before it was covered over.
And while he may now be in legal trouble after the mural was reported as criminal damage, it is unlikely his identity will be revealed in any future court case.
Stuart Nolan, chairman of the Law Society’s Criminal Law Committee, previously told Yahoo News UK that police would need to find somebody that they say created the mural – but Banksy’s elusiveness and mystery make that a challenge.
He explained: “In order to get a case in front of any court, you have to have a perpetrator or a group of perpetrators. So, at some stage somebody either has got to come forward and say, ‘Yes, I did that, arrest me’.”
The Royal Courts of Justice mural can still be seen. (SWNS)
Nolan said police would have to investigate anyone reported to the police and as Banksy’s identity is still uncertain, people may either not know who he is or give a long list of false names to clog up any investigation.
Ultimately Nolan believes that the task for police is “almost impossible”.
The mural has been interpreted by some as a comment on the arrest of hundreds of people for supporting Palestine Action by holding up placards at protests, most recently held last weekend.
Palestine Action was banned by the government as a terrorist group in July after activists damaged RAF planes.
What is the punishment for criminal damage?
Criminal damage covers a range of offences, from graffiti and vandalism to more serious acts like smashing windows or damaging vehicles. The punishment depends on the severity of the damage and whether there was intent.
For lower-level offences, such as minor damage costing under £5,000, offenders can face a fine or up to three months in prison.
More serious cases – including damage over £5,000 or where there’s risk to life, such as arson – carry harsher penalties, with a maximum sentence of up to 10 years, or even life imprisonment in the most extreme cases.
Penalties can also vary depending on age, previous offences, and whether the act was part of a protest or involved aggravating factors.
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