Penalties for contravention of tree preservation orders
126.—(1) If any person, in contravention of a tree preservation order, cuts down, uproots or wilfully destroys a tree, or wilfully damages, tops or lops a tree in such a manner as to be likely to destroy it, that person shall be guilty of an offence and liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £100,000;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine.
(2) In determining the amount of any fine to be imposed on a person convicted of an offence under subsection (1), the court must in particular have regard to any financial benefit which has accrued or appears likely to accrue to that person in consequence of the offence.
(3) If any person contravenes a tree preservation order otherwise than as mentioned in subsection (1), that person shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.