Overview
- The 26-year-old appeared at Newton Aycliffe magistrates’ court, pleaded not guilty to criminal damage and was released on bail, while a 23-year-old was released under investigation.
- The tree was felled between 10pm and 11pm on December 10, only hours after the village lights switch-on.
- Durham Police condemned the incident as “mindless vandalism” and asked the public to email PC David Allan quoting reference CRI00653425 with any information.
- Crime scene investigators photographed and bagged evidence and took a mould of the stump, as local assessments suggested a chainsaw or similar power saw was used.
- The community has temporarily propped the tree back up with a sleeve for the base and is preparing a fundraiser to plant a permanent replacement.