Christopher Carl Preston, aged 30, of Main Road, Colby, has been charged with five counts of cutting down a tree without a licence.

Cornelius James O’Sullivan, aged 53, of Main Street, Willoughby Waterleys, Leicestershire, is charged with causing or permitting another to cut down a tree.

Mr O’Sullivan did not appear in court but was represented by advocate Peter Russell who said that his client was in the UK and unable to attend but asked for an adjournment until March 21.

Mr Preston appeared in court unrepresented and his case was adjourned until the same date to join up with Mr O’Sullivan’s.

Clerk to the justices Stephen Tucker advised Mr Preston to consider consulting an advocate as the maximum penalty for the offence is a fine of £20,000 for each count.