A businessman who wrenched a 17th-century banister from a wall at the V&A museum and left it smashed in pieces on the floor is facing jail.
Michael Fadi Said, 41, wrecked the “irreplaceable” rail while touring an area of the museum where visitors are encouraged to touch the pieces on display.
He was caught on CCTV on March 3 and was traced after leaving his address and a signed message in the V&A guest book, Hendon magistrates heard yesterday.
Said, of Kensington, denied breaking the banister during a police interview, but failed to appear to face a charge of criminal damage.
Angela O’Dwyer, prosecuting, said Said was seen walking around the museum touching objects but when he got to the rail he “pulls it off the wall and it breaks into pieces”.
He was convicted in his absence, and is now being hunted by police to be brought to court for sentencing after district judge Helen Clarke issued a warrant for his arrest.
The offence carries a maximum sentence of three months’ jail, and Said also faces a ban from all London museums.
The V&A is now attempting to repair the 3ft handrail, thought to be worth about £1,000.
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