Construction tycoon Carmel Polidano, known as Ċaqnu, was yesterday fined €100,000 for chopping down three protected trees and demolishing a rubble wall in Balzan.

Magistrate Anthony Vella said the environment had to be fiercely protected because the livelihood of the whole population depended on the fragile balance that existed in nature. That was why the legislator had imposed harsh penalties for anyone who broke environmental laws.

It was clear, he added, that Mr Polidano had ignored the scheduling of the area, enforcement notices and an emergency order to protect the trees.

This was the behaviour of someone who had no respect for authority and did what it took to satisfy his own needs. This had to stop once and for all, the court said.

Mr Polidano was given three months to regularise his position in terms of the emergency conservation order and faces an additional daily fine of €130 if he does not abide by the enforcement notice.

Mr Polidano and his brother, Paul, are facing 55 active enforcement notices for environmental abuses, going back almost 20 years, according to planning authority data.

The Polidano Group has an estimated turnover in excess of €40 million.

Police Inspector Ramon Mercieca prosecuted.

Lawyers Robert Abela and Albert Zerafa appeared for the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.

Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha appeared for Mr Polidano.

Lawyer Reuben Farrugia appeared parte civile.