Chainsaw-wielding man who chopped down EIGHT native Christmas trees on a quiet suburban street pleads guilty to strange act of vandalism
A man has pleaded guilty to causing $40,000 damage after going on a rampage in which he cut down eight large native Christmas trees lining a quiet suburban street.
The 40-year-old was tracked down by police and charged with criminal damage for chopping down the pōhutukawa trees on the South Auckland, New Zealand, street in October.
The man fronted Levin District Court, near where he lives at the coastal town of Himtangi Beach, via videolink on Thursday over the bizarre crime, reports Stuff.
A man has pleaded guilty to causing $40,000 damage after going on a rampage in which he cut down eight large native Christmas trees lining a quiet suburban street
Police released CCTV of a man they allege was responsible for the bizarre act of vandalism
Residents were shocked to discover the row of fully grown trees chopped down and lying across the footpath on October 25.
The night before, neighbours said they heard the sound of a chainsaw but thought council workers had been instructed to do trimming in the area.
Court documents show that Auckland Council assessed the damage at $40,704, though the 40-year-old disputed the that sum.
It is not known why the man allegedly cut down the trees.
CCTV was released of a man carrying a light-coloured chainsaw after the incident with the implement being later found.
Counties Manukau South acting area commander Inspector Rod Honan said the local community had helped find the man allegedly responsible.
'The arrest is the result of community collaboration to provide the evidence to identify the alleged offender and recover the chainsaw used in the offence,' he said.
Karaka Harbourside Community Group president Reece Prewett called the act a case of 'senseless vandalism'.
'These pōhutukawa trees are iconic. During summer, their beautiful red blooms wind their way through the heart of our community,' he said.
The man will front court again for sentencing on January 20, 2021.
The night before, neighbours said they heard the sound of a chainsaw but thought council workers had been instructed to do trimming in the area (stock image)