Havering Council contractor in court over vole habitat damage
A site manager accused of destroying water vole habitats believes he is not to blame for the work as he was “first and foremost an employee” of Havering Council.
Tony Seaman, who pleaded not guilty to the damage and destruction of the animal shelter at Ingrebourne Valley Nature Reserve at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Friday (April 13), will call witnesses to support his claim.
The 75-year-old was sub-contracted by Havering Council to complete the work alongside a dredging company under direction from the council.
The court heard that exhibits examining the damage had been put together however they had been deemed illegible by the defence and expert witnesses were crucial to the case.
The case management hearing will be on May 10 and a trial date has been set for July 2 at Havering Magistrates’ Court.
You may also want to watch:
The council, which owns the reserve, was clearing silt and debris from the River Ingrebourne to reduce the risk of flooding to nearby homes when the alleged damage occurred.
The offence, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, carries a maximum �5,000 fine.
Most Read
- 1 'A tax on relationships': Politicians criticise boundary charge proposal
- 2 Council report reveals concern that borough's Covid vaccination drive may be held back
- 3 Havering households to be asked to participate in census
- 4 Police appeal after second fatal Rainham collision in less than a week
- 5 Sunflower Suite at Queen's Hospital chosen for this year's Christine Willett Trust donation
- 6 Man killed in collision on A13 near Rainham
- 7 Netball club in 4,700 mile fundraising challenge to buy tablet for school or care home
- 8 Deputy head: School's teachers have gone 'above and beyond' during Covid pandemic
- 9 Havering parks and gardens five feet under water as rivers burst their banks
- 10 Fines issued to Romford and Upminster restaurants flouting coronavirus restrictions
