Vic vandal quizzes graffiti removal method

An anti-feminist protester who painted lewd graffiti on a memorial for slain Melbourne comedian Eurydice Dixon reckons groundskeepers could have removed it more cheaply.

In an appeal hearing, Andrew Nolch also vowed to never paint graffiti again, noting how hard it was to get away with crimes.

Nolch painted a 25-metre penis at Princess Park in Carlton North in June, the night before a memorial was to be held for Ms Dixon.

He said it was a political statement to upset feminists, accusing them of turning Ms Dixon's murder into a women's rights issue.

He pleaded guilty in September to criminal damage and was ordered to pay the costs of replacing the turf, but appealed, claiming he was given bad legal advice.

Nolch, 29, is seeking to have his financial penalty cut and his criminal damage conviction reduced to a graffiti charge.

Representing himself, Nolch questioned a parks officer on the council's decision to replace the turf.

"Are you aware that when the AFL wants to cover logos they use green paint sprayed over the top?" Nolch asked.

"I am not aware," City of Melbourne's Ian Fisher replied.

"Do you consider that there could've been cheaper ways to solve the graffiti problem?" Nolch continued.

Four firefighters had earlier spent three hours trying to remove the markings.

"We tried very hard to get rid of it," the MFB's Joe Cardamone said.

But the "crazy" paint wouldn't come off, he said, despite firefighters spraying some 6500 litres of water.

Mr Cardamone said he found the large markings "disrespectful", being so close to the memorial.

Nolch received an 18-month community corrections order with 200 hours of volunteer work and was ordered to pay $19,500 in compensation for the firefighting and groundskeeping efforts.

This was later reduced to $13,800 after the MFB withdrew their claim, but Nolch still thinks it's too much and argues he should only be convicted of the lesser charge of marking graffiti.

But prosecutor Charlotte Duckett said Nolch's preparation, the targeted location, and the 45 litres of paint used, prove it was a serious offence.

"This is not a teenager randomly deciding 'I think I will tag this train'," Ms Duckett said.

In closing submissions, Nolch promised not to commit any crimes again, saying the ordeal had been "a horrible experience".

"I also realise how hard it is to get away with a crime," he said.

Nolch said that even if he had got away with it, he still wouldn't do it again.

"Because I'm literally a lazy political person," he said.

"I've worked out there are better ways to express myself, and also cheaper ways."

The hearing continues on Wednesday.