JAILED graffiti artist TJ Dolan has defended the "positive messages" his street art has on community work in a letter to the Macclesfield Express penned from his prison cell.

The 20-year-old Sutton resident, who was sentenced to 15 months for graffiti vandalism on trains, also expressed gratitude for support he and Thomas Whittaker – who was sent down for one year for the same offence – have received from readers since their sentencing.

TJ, up until his incarceration, was working on projects with underprivileged young people in Manchester and the pair are now using their artistic skills to assist fellow inmates.

In a letter sent from Deerbolt Prison, Co Durham, TJ said: "I’m just writing to say thank you to everybody that has been involved in making people aware of our case, written to us and commented on the relevant sites. Without your help, this time would be a lot more difficult – so thank you.

"I’ve received responses from people and places I’ve never known. Lovely poems and letters from family and friends and people who I’ve helped in the past and totally forgotten about.

"A young girl wrote me a beautiful poem and described how I didn’t know her but had helped her from getting bullied whilst she was at the park some time ago.

"She went on to say she had gone to her headmaster after hearing about my sentence to see whether she could put posters up around the school about my work, but he dubbed it as being ‘unsuitable to be involved in’, regardless of the fact I worked in a youth work environment."

He added: "It’s simply ‘positive messages through art’ – working on a range of issues in relevant communities.

"Issues which every day are spoken about on the news across the country asking what we can do about these things.

"But people spouting theories rather than finding solutions obviously want to these issues to carry on by sending down someone who works effortlessly to stop these cultures through gaining respect via artworks, which would not otherwise be possible.

"For example, last week me and Tom were helping out in the ‘adult support room’ where we are helping people who have difficulty writing, reading and doing maths.

"As soon as we walked in a guy was giving it out, but within around ten minutes, from hurling abuse, he came and sat with me and helped me tidy up these cups. His teacher asked him to help her before, and he refused.

"But when I asked he was obliged to help – all because he asked why I was in and wrote his name in graffiiti-style letters. And straight away from then he listened and learned.

"Simple things get through to people and can help them behave because they’re getting something back. Children take it easier, but even adults can learn through art.

"The fact that we are getting on in prison with all the inmates and staff to me is a positive thing; it’s giving me the opportunity to learn from people and gain extra/further insights into the work I do in Manchester. Some of the kids/young adults will be able to relate to me further from this unfortunate situation."

A benefit gig is being held for the jailed pair in Jabez Clegg, Manchester, on Sunday, October 7, featuring TJ’s brother’s band The Virgin Marys.