Byron Shire Council v Fletcher [2005] NSWLEC 706

Reported Decision : (2005) 143 LGERA 155

Land and Environment Court of New South Wales

CITATION : Byron Shire Council v Fletcher [2005] NSWLEC 706

PROSECUTOR Byron Shire Council PARTIES : DEFENDANT Michael Hume Fletcher

FILE NUMBER(S) : 50035 of 2005

CORAM: Preston CJ

KEY ISSUES: Prosecution :- clearing of trees without development consent - plea of guilty - offence was the consequence of conduct intended by defendant - no steps taken to ascertain need for development consent - defendant in business of earthmoving - mitigating circumstances.

Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 s 22, s 21A(2)(g), s 21A(3)(e), s 21A(3)(i), s 23(1), s 701 LEGISLATION CITED: Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 s 76A(1)(a), s 125(1), s 126(3), s 149

Axer Pty Limited v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357; Cabonne Shire Council v Environment Protection Authority (2001) 115 LGERA 304; Camilleri's Stock Feeds Pty Limited v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683; Council of Camden v Tax (2004) 137 LGERA 368; Environment Protection Authority v Middle Harbour Constructions Pty Limited (2002) 119 LGERA 440; Hoare v R (1989) 167 CLR 348; Hornsby Shire Council v Khoury [2003] NSWLEC 83; Ibbs v R (1987) 163 CLR 447; Lowe v R (1984) 154 CLR 606; Mickelberg v R (1984) 13 A Crim R 365; Mosman Municipal Council v Menai Excavations Pty Limited (2002) 122 LGERA 89; CASES CITED: Newcastle City Council v Pepperwood Ridge Pty Limited (2004) 132 LGERA 388; R v Cameron (2002) 209 CLR 339; R v H (1983) A Crim R 53; R v Oliver (1980) 7 A Crim R 174; R v Sharma (2002) 54 NSWLR 300; R v Thomson (2000) 49 NSWLR 383; R v Gallagher (1991) 23 NSWLR 220; Sutherland Shire Council v Nustas [2004] NSWLEC 608; Sutherland Shire Council v Turner [2004] NSWLEC 774; Veen v R (No. 1) 1979 143 CLR 458; Veen v R (No. 2) 1988 164 CLR 465; Wong v R (2001) 207 CLR 584