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A Sydney council has launched court proceedings against an alleged tree vandal, sending a clear warning to deter offenders who illegally clear trees from committing the “reckless and intentional” crime.
The Inner West Council alleged the vandalism happened on December 28, 2024, when Norman Sukkar destroyed five magenta lilly pillies and one tuckeroo tree at the heritage-listed Allman Park in Ashfield. He has been accused of drilling holes into tree trunks and was photographed holding a petrol can.
Clearing trees without approval is prohibited under state environmental planning policies (SEPPs). Furious residents at the time erected a “tree graveyard” in the spot and dubbed the vandal “the Allman Park serial killer”. They also said that trees in the same park – including a large gum nicknamed Bluey – were destroyed in the past.
Vandals are typically motivated by better harbour views and an increase in property value, but councils say the offence is difficult to prosecute in court because the burden of proof is high and requires substantial evidence.
Inner West Council was able to secure a prosecution after more than a year, and is seeking the maximum penalty of $1 million in the Land and Environment Court. For corporations, the maximum fine is $5 million.
Sukkar was summoned to court in early February, and the matter appeared for the first time in March.
Deputy Mayor Chloe Smith said the “reckless and intentional” offence was illegal and “deeply selfish and harmful” to the environment.
“ Unfortunately, like many councils, we’ve seen cases of trees being poisoned and vandalised,” she said. “Vandalism to our natural environment is a serious offence and will be punished to the maximum possible extent.”
The incident is just one in a years-long string of alleged vandalism against trees in heritage, foreshore and nature reserve areas. In 2023, more than 260 trees were hacked, chainsawed and poisoned in Castle Cove and up to 300 trees and other plants were razed in Lane Cove.
In 2025, vandals drilled numerous holes into the trunks of a 100-year-old Port Jackson fig tree at Woolwich. Seven other trees were poisoned, and about 30 trees cut.
Smith said it was the first time in a long time that a council had been able to take an individual to court over the destruction of public trees.
“Despite clear evidence of a crime, it’s notoriously difficult for councils to identify the person responsible or bring a prosecution,” she said.
The state government in April last year modified penalties and introduced a tiered system of fines, meaning the older and larger the tree, the higher the fine. Repeat offenders would also be subject to higher penalties.
The changes doubled fines for individuals – up to $6000 a tree – and tripled penalties for corporations, reaching $18,000 a tree.
The case will be heard in court again in May.
with Jessica McSweeney
Cindy Yin is an urban affairs reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via email.From our partners
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