Court orders man to pay £6k for chopping down tree

The cherry tree stood in the grounds of the former St Mary's Church in Goole

A property developer has been ordered to pay more than £6,000 after he admitted chopping down a protected tree.

David Wilcock, 56, pleaded guilty to removing the mature cherry tree at the site of the former St Mary's Church on Swinefleet Road in Goole in December 2023.

It is a criminal offence to cut down or even prune a tree protected by a Tree Preservation Order without permission from the council.

Wilcock, from Eastrington in East Yorkshire, was sentenced last month at Beverley Magistrates' Court.

He was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay a £1,600 victim surcharge and costs of £719.

Wilcock was prosecuted by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Planning Enforcement team after a member of the public reported the destruction.

Councillor Gary McMaster said: "Trees provide numerous benefits to local communities, enhancing the lived environment, and reducing air and noise pollution.

"They are also vital for biodiversity, providing habitats for insects, birds and other wildlife.

"The council takes protection of trees seriously and takes robust action where illegal behaviour occurs."

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