Tree feller fined

A man who caused another man to cut down two trees has been fined £250 by the High Bailiff.

William Smith of Sydney Street, Douglas, admitted instructing a tree surgeon to cut down a sycamore tree and eucalyptus tree without a licence.

Stuart Peters reports:

(Text of attached audio)

Rachel Braidwood, prosecuting, said acting on information chief forester Peter Williamson visited the House in Sydney Street and saw two large stumps but no timber.

The man who cut the trees, Mark Galbraith, was spoken to and said he was assured there was licence in place.

Smith said he thought permission had been granted by letter two years ago. He had the tree felled because he was fearful of causing damage to property.

Miss Braidwood said that it was found that the eucalyptus tree was not in good shape, but the sycamore was quite stable.

Mr Moyle said he accepted that Smith was possibly confused by the letter, and granted a conditional discharge in respect of the eucalyptus tree as he believed it was possible it was going to cause problems.