Jack Gibson-Burrell, aged 21, was denied bail on Wednesday while his co-accused, 39-year-old Matthew Raoul White, was granted release. Gibson-Burrell is accused of vandalism, allegedly breaking into Victorian train stations and climbing buildings to spray-paint a cartoon-like character dubbed “Pam the Bird.” The murals have gained significant attention on Instagram, amassing over 70,000 followers, prompting police to involve the FBI to confirm Gibson-Burrell’s connection to the account.
Magistrate Johanna Metcalf expressed concerns about the risk of Gibson-Burrell continuing his graffiti spree if released, linking it to his desire to enhance his social media notoriety. He is also facing additional charges, including assaulting a worker at Emporium Melbourne, stealing cars, and involvement in a ram-raid incident at a Nandos outlet. Although he is suspected in a violent stabbing case, he has not yet been charged.
Defence barrister Jonathan Miller argued that the evidence against Gibson-Burrell is circumstantial, and he plans to contest the charges, which could lead to delays in proceedings. Metcalf acknowledged these potential delays but emphasised the necessity of keeping him in custody due to the risk he poses to the community. White, implicated in taking photographs of Gibson-Burrell during the graffiti acts, was approved for bail under strict conditions. Both men are scheduled to appear again in court in June.