Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

AsiaWire

This is the moment a brazen driver who cut down a government-planted tree that he did not like as it spoiled his view is filmed towing it through busy streets while being pursued by the police.

The incredible scenes were captured by traffic cameras in the city of Dongguan, in South China’s Guangdong Province, on 3rd March.

In the video, shopkeeper Mr Liao can be seen driving his black saloon through city streets with the large tree – trunk, branches, leaves and all – in tow.

He brushes past other vehicles and damaged no fewer than seven moving or stopped cars, Dongguan police reported.

Mr Liao was eventually intercepted by police in the early hours of 4th March, but he only stopped after a brief pursuit.

According to the authorities, the man owns a local shop which was recently renovated.

The tree – planted by the local municipal government as part of the city’s greening programme – was deemed an eyesore by Mr Liao, who proceeded to chop it down.

He was arrested while on his way to dispose of the tree.

Mr Liao was cleared of drink- and drug-driving charges, and was not detained for the dangerous driving offence.

The police said he and the owners of the seven damaged car reached compensation settlements of between 300 and 800 RMB (33 to 55 GBP).

He is expected to be fined for vandalising state property.

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