HENDOG: An artist or criminal?

Published

2 years ago

18th December 2024

Graffiti art more commonly known as street art, which is the process of using spray paint and other materials to create colourful and detailed pieces of art in public spaces.

However beautiful this can be, it is still a criminal offense. But for one man, this has never stopped him.

Hendog is an anonymous street artist famous all across Winchester and beyond.

He takes intricate handmade stencils and creates layers upon layers of detailed paintings that you might have seen hidden around the city centre.

The same city centre where it all started for him and his career.

He grew up in Winchester on a council estate, living a relatively basic and normal lifestyle. From a young age he has always been fascinated with art, always drawing or doodling.

But even though he was good at art, his passion and drive to become successful only really stemmed during the pandemic.

Hendog said:“I didn’t take it seriously until the pandemic.

“I got really into it as a hobby over the pandemic and I released my first piece that just seemed to blow up. Everyone seemed to love it.”

And love it, they did. Some of Hendogs first pieces are some of his most popular and beloved ones from tiny bears, kids with daisy chains to colourful brick walls.

After making such a name for himself across social media and other platforms, this artist still chooses to remain in the shadows.

Only coming out in the early hours of the morning to create art for the public to enjoy.

But why be anonymous?

Essentially, Hendog stated that what he does is illegal. He knowingly commits this illegal act of graffiti all for the spirit of art and creating art.

But this is one of many reasons why this mysterious artist has yet to reveal himself.

He said: “I have no desire to be known. I am perfectly okay with my life exactly how it is.”

When tackling the debate of whether graffiti is art or vandalism our local superstar street artist Hendog had a lot to say on the matter.

“In terms of art, art is subjective. You decide what art is.

“If you look at it and think that is artistic then it is art but if you don’t then I guess not.

“In terms of vandalism, it can’t be art or vandalism it’s either art or not art.

“The only person that can decide whether it was vandalism is the owner of the wall.”

So is it art or vandalism?

Is he an artist or a criminal?

The truth is it is both.

Art is subjective and can only be determined by the eye of the viewer.

By law it is vandalism but that has never stopped artists like Hendog from creating these masterpieces we all know and love.

Park and ride charges to increase 22%

Published

1 week ago

2nd November 2026

Phoebe Costello

Park and ride users in Winchester will pay an extra pound per day from next month.

Winchester City Council posted “notices of variation for charges” across park & ride car parks.

It said that the price for all-day parking will increase from £3.50 to £4.50 and seasonal tickets will rise by 28%.

Some park and ride users were critical of the increase.

One woman, who uses the service regularly, said: “I’m surprised. I haven’t read anything about that at all.

“It does seem quite a steep rise.”

A tourist visiting from Canada said: “I think the service will remain high class, but it may be a hardship for some people who may find it less affordable.”

But another man, who lives in Winchester, said: “It’s so easy, it’s worth paying. I mean, where else would we park in Winchester?”

The Winchester Green Party said any increase in charges needs to be considered carefully to ensure that users are not put off using the service.

“Park and ride plays an important role in Winchester’s transport network.

“It helps reduce congestion in the city centre, supports air quality objectives and provides an alternative to driving into some of Winchester’s busiest streets.

“From a climate perspective, the long-term objective should be to make sustainable travel options attractive, convenient and accessible.

“For many residents and visitors, park and ride remains an important part of that mix, particularly for journeys where walking, cycling or conventional public transport are not practical.”

The council said it will still be free to park on Sundays but there are no buses.

Drivers can also park for free after 4pm as long as they get a ticket.

Winchester City Council was contacted for a response.

Police hunt man who threw chair and threatened shoppers

Published

1 month ago

5th October 2026

Phoebe Costello

A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.

Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.

It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.

Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.

Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.

Police officers injured during anti-migration rally

Published

1 month ago

5th October 2026

Roan Harte

Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”