A man who defaced rocks and trees in a state park - including a site of Aboriginal heritage significance - has been ordered to pay more than $12,000 to cover the cost of cleaning. Christopher Burslem also destroyed his own house and car after he set the vehicle alight and the blaze spread. The 31-year-old was sentenced in the Bendigo Magistrates' Court on Friday after pleading guilty to criminal damage and arson, as well as failing to stop on police direction and driving while suspended. Between September 21 and October 4, Burslem went to the Kooyoora State Park and spray-painted trees, rocks and rock shelters. On one rock shelter, he drew a serpent with a large humanoid head at the entrance, a peace symbol and the word 'Welcome', while inside he spray-painted his 'Honey Baked' tag and a distinctive bee symbol. Burslem also graffitied surrounding rocks and trees. The court heard on Friday that the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation had estimated the cost of removing the graffiti was $12,080. Magistrate Patrick Southey made an order for compensation in this amount. On Sunday, November 1, Burslem poured a can of petrol over a 2002 Toyota Corolla and set it alight. The vehicle was sitting about two metres from Burslem's one-bedroom fibro home, which was destroyed when it went up in flames from the vehicle fire. The court also heard that on the afternoon of September 24, police tried to intercept a maroon Subaru station wagon, first spotted on the Dunolly-Inglewood Road, for routine checks. While police followed for about a kilometre and activated their lights, the Subaru did not stop. Police later found the car at Burslem's address, but he told them his twin brother had been driving. However, Burslem's mother - who owned the car - nominated Burslem as the driver, and his brother - who lived in Melbourne - said he was not behind the wheel. In sentencing on Friday, Mr Southey noted an assessment report from Corrections Victoria did not deem Burslem suitable, partly because he did not appear amenable to working with them. However, Burslem told the court he did want to work with them. Mr Southey convicted Burslem and sentenced him to a 12-month community corrections order, with the condition he undergo assessment and treatment for mental health as directed. Burslem was also disqualified for driving for 12 months. Mr Southey said Burslem had more skill than many graffitists, but he needed to keep his talents on canvas. "If you can stay out of trouble for 12 months, I'll buy one of your paintings, alright?" Mr Southey said.
