Accused ‘Pam the Bird’ graffiti artist Jack Gibson-Burrell to remain behind bars

A prolific graffiti artist police allege is behind infamous Pam the Bird tags plastered across Melbourne will remain behind bars because of the risk he poses to the community.

A prolific graffiti artist police say is behind infamous Pam the Bird tags plastered across Melbourne will remain behind bars because of the risk he poses to the community.

Jack Gibson-Burrell, 21, is facing 59 charges over graffiti tags of trains, buildings and landmarks across the city including the heritage-listed Flinders Street station clock, the “Cheese Stick” above CityLink and Novotel at South Wharf.

He is also accused of assault, aggravated burglary and shop and vehicle thefts, in addition to the ramming of a Nando’s restaurant with a stolen car.

The man allegedly behind the ‘Pam the Bird’ graffiti, Jack Gibson-Burrell. Picture: Ian Currie

Mr Gibson-Burrell tries to shield his face. Picture: Ian Currie

Co-accused Matthew Raoul White leaves court after being granted bail. Picture: Ian Currie

The Yarraville man was refused bail at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after Magistrate Johanna Metcalf found bail conditions could not mitigate the risk of reoffending or endangering the public.

His offending, she said, involved breaking into buildings and abseiling off high rise buildings which endangered the public below.

“There is an element of deliberate risk-taking for thrill and notoriety,” she said.

“The totality of the offending is serious.”

Pam the Bird on the Clifton Hill chimney Picture: Supplied

Pam the Bird strikes again at the Novotel Picture: Toby Hussey

One of Melbourne’s most iconic buildings — Flinders Street Station — was defaced with the graffiti.

Police earlier raised concerns that Mr Gibson-Burrell was increasingly violent, having previously resisted arrest and assaulted Metro staff and security guards who tried to stop him from vandalising.

The court heard he was also suspected of stabbing an associate in West Footscray last month, with his alleged victim pleading “you’re going to kill me” before he lost consciousness.

The damage bill from his alleged vandalism spree was estimated to exceed $200,000

Co-accused Matthew Raoul White, 39, who allegedly helped with some of the tags, was released on bail with conditions including he surrender his passport, abide by a curfew and report to police twice a week.

The pair will return to court in June.

Originally published as Accused ‘Pam the Bird’ graffiti artist Jack Gibson-Burrell to remain behind bars