Mike Hedges welcomes news that a developer has been found guilty of causing or permitting the unlawful felling of an ancient redwood tree.

Mike Hedges welcomes news that a developer has been found guilty of causing or permitting the unlawful felling of an ancient redwood tree.

Speaking from his Swansea East Office, AM Mike Hedges said…… ‘I am pleased with the outcome of this trial and congratulate Swansea Council on their decision to prosecute the people involved. Developers should know that they can’t flout the law and suffer no consequences when they do so, although it is surprising how often they think the law doesn’t apply to them! Our natural environment is one of our most precious assets and must be protected at all costs. I hope that other local authorities will take similar robust action when faced with similar behaviour from developers.’

Enzo's Homes director Fiorenzo Sauro, 49, had denied cutting down 70 protected trees, including the 200-year-old redwood, near a housing development in Swansea last year.

But district judge Neale Thomas found both Sauro and the firm guilty of contravening a tree preservation order.

Contractor Arwyn Morgan had already admitted the same charge on Monday.

Both Sauro, and Morgan, who were convicted at Swansea Magistrates' Court, will be sentenced next month.