A man has been fined £600 for causing damage to a protected tree.

Paul Hiam of Bower Hill in Epping, was convicted of damaging and severing the roots of a Red Horse Chestnut tree outside of his home on July 9.

The conviction followed a report by a concerned member of the public.

Epping Forest District Council inspected the tree on January 12 and discovered the damage caused by mechanical digging and a saw as part of work to the entrance of the Bower Hill property.

An attempt had been made to hide the work by smearing soil over the damage.

The Council tried to contact Mr Hiam but was unable to speak to him.

Despite telling workmen on the site to stop and sending a letter to Mr Hiam, further work and tree damage was found when the officer re-visited the site on January 25 and again on February 9 and February 10.

Prosecution proceedings were later commenced.

Haim was fined £600 and also ordered to pay £804.31 in costs and a victim surcharge of £60 during the hearing at Chelmsford Magistrates Court.

Cllr Gary Waller, Portfolio Holder responsible for trees at Epping Forest District Council, said: “Trees are a very important local asset and form a vital part of the fabric of our environment, as well as creating a habitat for wildlife.

"Tree preservation orders are made to protect trees that could be under threat, and nobody is permitted to carry out work without getting consent.

"We will seek to hold to account anyone who deliberately damages a protected tree.”