A NOTORIOUS graffiti artist who was given Scotland's longest-ever jail term for vandalism has been fined £4500 and ordered to perform 200 hours of community work.

Gary Shields, 21, from Glasgow, admitted spray-painting train carriages and stations across the country, causing £12,000 of damage.

He was jailed earlier this year at Ayr Sheriff Court for the offences which he committed between July 2004 and November 2006.

Shields - who served two months in Barlinnie Prison before his release - was linked to two groups, "Easy Rider" and "Styles of Essence", which carried out the graffiti, adding his tag of "Dayz".

But his 28-month prison sentence was overturned at the Court of Appeal in June after he claimed he had turned over a new leaf.

High Court judges Lords Reed and Wheatley sitting at the Appeal Courts in Edinburgh ordered Shields to pay compensation and perform community service.

Last night a court source said: "He's been told to pay the the fine at £500 a month.

"The money has to go to EWS Freight, Network Rail and Scotrail.

"This was an unusual case which certainly made Shields regret his actions."

A Transport Police spokesman said: "Although this isn't a custodial sentence it still sends the message that graffiti on the rail network will not be tolerated."

Following his appeal hearing in June, Shields, a draughtsman said he was "quite happy" with the outcome and added: "I thought the sentence was a bit harsh."

The vandal admitted seven offences carried out in Elderslie, Prestwick, Helensburgh, Shawlands, Yoker and Langside when he appeared at court in Ayr.

Sheriff Colin Miller decided he had to jail him and said: "The damage done was considerable."