Police arrest 36-year-old suspect following vandalism at London, Ont. courthouse
London police have arrested a suspect in relation to a vandalism that took place at the London courthouse on Dundas Street.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the names of two lawyers, Jennifer Swart and Lakin Afolabi, the latter of which is acting as defence for 68-year-old Lawrence Thompson, were painted in what appeared to be red spray paint.
Thompson was found guilty in early July for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a four-year-old girl back in May of 2018.
The vandalism reads, “Jennifer Swart Lakin Afolabi sexual assault dream team.”
Police report there was also vandalism at the police station and a building in the area of Queens Avenue and William Street.
Police say at approx 3:15 p.m., the suspect was located and arrested in the area of Oxford Street East and Mornington Avenue.
As a result of this investigation a 36-year-old man has been charged with three counts of mischief under $5,000.
The cost of the damage and graffiti removal is estimated at $4,000.
The vandalism at the courthouse has since been covered up with a blue tarp, presumably by a courthouse employee.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Solicitor General said in an email the ministry, "takes these incidents very seriously. As this matter is the subject of a police investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further."
CTV News London spoke with defence lawyer Afolabi by phone Tuesday afternoon about the message directed to him and Swart, who is an Assistant Crown Attorney.
“It is clear someone is unhappy with me, they have chosen to express it in that manner. It is not my job to investigate criminal activity. In fact I make a living defending it so I will let the police do their job. I also think it is most unfortunate that my colleague Jen Swart was brought into it. She is a very good lawyer and a very good person.”
The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 17 in relation to the charges.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada outlines national action plan to fight auto theft
The federal government is launching what it calls its 'national action plan' to combat auto thefts, which will include stronger penalties for thieves, and increased information sharing between police agencies, government officials and border enforcement.
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
Iran's president and foreign minister die in helicopter crash at moment of high tensions in Mideast
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and the country's foreign minister were found dead Monday hours after their helicopter crashed in fog, leaving the Islamic Republic without two key leaders as extraordinary tensions grip the wider Middle East.
Michael Cohen says he stole from Trump's company as defence presses key hush money trial witness
Former Donald Trump attorney Michael Cohen admitted Monday to jurors in the Republican's hush money trial that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from Trump's company as defence lawyers seized on the star witness' misdeeds to attack his credibility.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.
Investors watching posts from 'Crypto King' in the wake of fraud, money laundering charges
Former investors of the self-styled “Crypto King” say they are watching his social media accounts and worried his displays of wealth are signs he’s spending their money, even now, as another large expense tied to Aiden Pleterski has triggered a previously unreported lawsuit.
Almost 2 months after it destroyed Baltimore's Key Bridge, the Dali cargo ship has been moved
The cargo ship Dali is being moved from the site of its catastrophic collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in a crucial step toward fully reopening the busy Port of Baltimore.