A BAND who were arrested minutes before stepping on to the stage have been cleared of any wrongdoing.

London Undaground, who are based in Southend, were due to perform at Scala nightclub in Kings Cross, London, when they were accused of illegally graffitiing the Grade II-listed building.

The four-piece band successfully fought to clear their name after being charged with causing £4,500 of criminal damage.

The band members were even given £1,000 compensation for the damage to their reputation.

James O’Brien, the group’s frontman, said: “It’s good to be cleared. We knew we hadn’t done anything wrong. It’s good the court came to the same decision.

“We’re just waiting for the compensation to come through now.”

The band, which plays electro swing and house music, were booked to support New Order and Peter Hook, Joy Division’s former bassist, at Scala in April.

The gig was the group’s first appearance at the club, but it quickly descended into disaster after they spray-painted their logo in 16 places around the building.

When the club’s owners complained, the band argued they had done the same at other gigs organised by the promoter, Mark Stubbles.

After going through a short trial at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, Mr O’Brien, his brother John, Peter Hamilton and Chris Wolf were all acquitted.

A spokesman for the band’s solicitors, Southend law firm Jerman, Simpson, Pearson and Samuels, said: “Our case hinged on the fact the band had done this before at other venues and not been told it was unacceptable.

“The court agreed that, if it should not have happened this time, the band should have been informed by Mr Stubbles.”

Mr O’Brien added: “We just want to move on now.

“The case has come and gone and we’re getting on with our music.”