A VANDAL who attacked a tree with a chainsaw has been left with a hefty compensation bill.

Officers from Middlesbrough Council’s Streetscene Services department were called out to Linthorpe Road in the early hours of October 9 following reports of damage to a tree.

More than half of the trunk of a London Plane tree near Manjaro’s restaurant had been cut through, with the chainsaw left trapped in the cut.

The tree was deemed to be unsafe and was subsequently felled by a tree surgeon.

Appearing before Teesside Magistrates on January 28, Garron Mulraney admitted a charge of criminal damage.

The 46-year-old, of Crescent Road, Middlesbrough was ordered to pay compensation of £1,000 to Middlesbrough Council.

Councillor Denise Rooney, the council’s executive member for environment and commercial services, welcomed the court ruling.

She said: “This was a shocking and senseless attack on part of Middlesbrough’s valuable natural environment.

“Trees are a much loved part of the urban landscape, and we work hard to sustain and protect them.

“I’m pleased that the person responsible for this act of mindless vandalism has been held to account, and hope this sends out a message that such reckless actions have serious consequences.”