One of Kevin Breen's campaign signs was altered to showcase the words 'a record of lying.' (Courtesy of the Telegram)

The former publisher of a St. John's alternative newspaper has been found guilty of mischief for plastering stickers on a municipal candidate's signs in 2005.

Mark Smith was found guilty Friday in provincial court in St. John's of one count of mischief.

However, Smith was given an absolute discharge, which means he will not have a criminal record.

Smith, the former publisher of Current, an alternative newspaper that focuses on politics and arts, was charged after campaign signs for incumbent candidate Kevin Breen were defaced in 2005.

Breen's slogan was "a record of service." Stickers bearing the wording "a record of lying," featuring the same type style and size, were applied over the slogan on some of Breen's signs.

Evidence was presented at the trial showing that Smith's signature was on a work order for the stickers and that his debit card was used to pay for them.

The court was also told that there had been friction between Current and Breen, particularly about how Breen had changed his view on turning Memorial Stadium into a supermarket.

Smith's defence lawyer, Bob Buckingham, had argued that the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary did not follow up on other leads about who may have defaced the signs.

Breen was defeated in the 2005 election.