Home-owner poisons own tree and caught but how?

Eric Frei · 19th June 2008, 10:07 PM

We all know there's people who have a protected tree but want to get rid of it. They poison it then say it's dead and removal gets ordered.

In this case in UK the guy gets fined but it doesn't explain how they got the evidence.

See, we know the home-owner has the motive but in law motive alone is simply not enough, you need evidence or witnesses etc.

I just wonder how they knew he did it, and I bet lots of authorities/councils etc (which LURK HERE DAILY) would also like to know. There's got to be some court manuscript ... heck, maybe some-one needs to just ring the bloke up and ask how they got him.

Tree Poisoner Fined (from Echo)

Quote:

Tree poisoner fined

A MAN who damaged a 150-year-old tree has been prosecuted by a council.

Niall Hossack of 35 Woodpond Avenue, Hockley was fined £1,350 at Southend Magistrates, Court for willfully causing damage by applying herbicide to the protected oak tree, situated in his front garden.

Rochford District Council said the offence was aggravated by the fact that the defendant continually denied causing the damage to the tree and also because he applied the herbicide on more than one occasion.

Magistrates, sitting on May 19, also ordered £1,500 costs to be paid. Hossack was ordered to pay the fine and costs within 14 days.

Michael Starke, councillor responsible for the environment, said: "Rochford District Council will unfailingly carry out its duty to protect the environment for the benefit of residents. Trees are an important part of the ecological landscape and the ouncil will not neglect its responsibility to preserve this valuable natural asset."

4:11pm Wednesday 18th June 2008

Sean Freeman · 19th June 2008, 10:14 PM

It would come down to the weight of evidence in the opinion of the magistrate...probably under appeal

Done it · 19th June 2008, 11:26 PM

Maybe it was spoiling someones veiw & he copped the blame, [front yard] it happens here all along the coast & Southend looks like it would have a veiw.

MTS247 · 29th June 2008, 02:21 PM

We all know you dont need to be "guilty" to be found guilty.

newguy18 · 29th June 2008, 02:37 PM

Are they sure it was deliberate?maybe he was spraying for weeds and the tree was just a casualty.

19th June 2008, 10:14 PM	#2
Sean Freeman Monument Status Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Townsville Nth Queensland & Gold Coast Sth Queensland Posts: 1,985	Re: Home-owner poisons own tree and caught but how? It would come down to the weight of evidence in the opinion of the magistrate...probably under appeal

19th June 2008, 11:26 PM	#3
Done it Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Australia. Posts: 784	Re: Home-owner poisons own tree and caught but how? Maybe it was spoiling someones veiw & he copped the blame, [front yard] it happens here all along the coast & Southend looks like it would have a veiw. Attached Thumbnails

29th June 2008, 02:21 PM	#4
MTS247 Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 218	Re: Home-owner poisons own tree and caught but how? We all know you dont need to be "guilty" to be found guilty.

29th June 2008, 02:37 PM	#5
newguy18 Part of the Furniture Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: orlando,fl Posts: 4,977	Re: Home-owner poisons own tree and caught but how? Are they sure it was deliberate?maybe he was spraying for weeds and the tree was just a casualty. __________________ Have your say join us today. old schooler

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