Borough of Poole has successfully prosecuted a man after he illegally chopped down 11 protected trees in the garden of his property.

David Matthews pleaded guilty to the unlawful felling of trees that included a mature oak, beech and sweet chestnut.

Mr Matthews had previously breached a Tree Preservation Order in 2015 and had received a written warning from the council.

‘The destruction of these 11 protected trees is the worst environmental crime of its kind we have seen in Poole,’ said Andy Dearing, enforcement team manager at Borough of Poole.

‘Over the years the council has shown a strong commitment to protecting Poole’s environment and we will continue to investigate matters brought to our attention and pursue prosecution where appropriate.’

Mr Matthews will be sentenced on 24 May 2018 at Bournemouth Crown Court.