The Royal Court ordered that the pesky greenery, which is on private premises and overhangs Rue de la Frontière, must be taken down within three months. If the landowner has any issues with the order they are free to appeal against the decision to the parish.
St Mary Constable Juliette Gallichan said the tree was being persistently struck by high-sided vehicles.
‘That was evidenced by the fact we found bits of vehicle embedded into it – there were quite a few bits of metal in the tree,’ she said.
The traditional Visite Royale happens twice every year and involves two parishes – one for each ceremony. The Bailiff and members of the Royal Court carry out an inspection, looking at parish accounts and making decisions on outstanding legal and administrative problems – including trees that encroach onto public paths and highways.
Members of the court are ferried around the parish and led by voyeurs – parishioners nominated by the Constable.
When the Court comes to a contentious issue – such as an overhanging tree – the Attorney General acts for the prosecution, and a junior Advocate, in yesterday’s case Advocate John McCormick, acts for the defence.
Mrs Gallichan added: ‘It was a great day. It’s worth noting that it was sunny for the Visite in St Mary, unlike the last one in Trinity. It’s always sunny in St Mary.’
Asked if she was a fan of the tradition, the Constable replied: ‘Yes, I am. In my speech to the court I did say it was an important tradition that also played an important role.’
Mrs Gallichan said six years ago the court made a decision which led to a piece of land being gifted to the parish.
