A Melbourne street artist who painted a mural of late cricketer Shane Warne has walked free from court without a penalty.
Jarrod Grech, 35, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where he pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal damage over a tribute he painted on a Carlton wall in March.
The court heard Grech did not seek permission from the owner of the building before painting the mural.
His lawyer Ben Watson said Grech, an electrician, wanted to bring a sense of joy to the community through the painting.
He said Grech had "learnt his lesson" and accepted he should have asked for consent from the owner of the wall before painting on it.
Prosecutors told the court they were not seeking for Grech to pay any restitution over the criminal damage.
Magistrate Olivia Trumble noted the Warne family had sent through a supportive letter about the mural.
"They've spoken to you and you are remorseful, they don't take any offence in relation to this particular painting," she told Grech.
"But, having said that, you need to understand that you can't just take to any wall you see and think is going to look amazing with your artwork on it.
"As incredible as your artwork might be, you don't have the right to place it on whatever wall you feel."
Ms Trumble found the criminal damage charge was proven, but dismissed the charge with no conviction nor penalty.
"Keep channelling your creativity in good ways, maybe teach others to paint the way you paint," she said.
