Dunkeld man fined £800 for chopping down tree

Dec 1 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A SELF-EMPLOYED joiner who cut down a tree with a chainsaw was fined £800 at Perth Sheriff Court.

Forty-four-year-old Sean Hutchison, whose actions were described by his lawyer as “bizarre,” has also been ordered to pay £300 compensation to Perth and Kinross Council.

Hutchison, of Gladstone Terrace, Dunkeld, admitted culpably and recklessly using a chainsaw to saw down part of the tree, to the danger of the public.

The incident took place in Station Road, Birnam, on the morning of June 13.

The court was told that the early morning peace was shattered he revved up his chainsaw to fell part of the mature tree at 4.45am.

But it almost fell on to a parked car and blocked the public road.

Depute fiscal John Malpass said that nearby residents woke to the sound of the powersaw.

One witness saw part of the tree fall across the road. Another saw Hutchison, who was wearing camouflage trousers, run off carrying a chainsaw.

Police inquiries led them to Hutchison’s home where they saw, through an open shed door, petrol cans and a cover for a chainsaw.

The accused was traced to his house. He was wearing a dressing gown and when asked by officers to get dressed, he came in wearing camouflage trousers and shoes which bore traces of sawdust.

Mr Malpass added that the tree was owned by Perth and Kinross Council, with estimated costs of £300 to clear the felled branches.

Solicitor Paul Ralph said that Hutchison appeared to have been “egged on” by his pals.

Imposing the penalties, Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said he believed excessive drinking had been one of the main factors.

He noted that the accused had a previous conviction for culpable and reckless conduct from July, 2008.