A man has been convicted after causing more than £27,000 worth of damage to nearby trees that left his swimming pool in the shade.

Xhavit Krasniqi, of Coleridge Avenue, Sutton, hired unqualified workmen to cut back the trees on the Sutton Council-owned Westmead Allotments, on February 13, last year.

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chairwoman of the environment and neighbourhood committee, said: "We do not tolerate anyone damaging trees on council land and I am pleased that we have worked together with the police successfully on this matter."

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At Croydon Crown Court, Krasniqi, 40, was found guilty on two counts of criminal damage after a three-day trial, on Friday.

He was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and must pay a total cost of £8,370 that includes a victim surcharge and costs to both Sutton Council and the Crown Prosecution Service.

Sutton Council said it will be using the costs to plant new trees in the borough.