Guernsey Press

Builder denies wrecking newly built homes with digger

It is alleged Daniel Neagu acted without lawful excuse and was reckless as to whether the properties were destroyed or damaged.

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A builder has pleaded not guilty to using a digger to cause up to £4 million of damage to a row of newly built retirement homes.

Daniel Neagu, 30, was charged with criminal damage after five houses belonging to McCarthy & Stone Retirement Living to the value of around £4 million were wrecked in Buntingford, Hertfordshire, on August 11.

Neagu pleaded not guilty to the charge during a preliminary hearing at St Albans Crown Court on Monday.

It is alleged he acted without lawful excuse and was reckless as to whether the properties were destroyed or damaged.

Site staff inspect damaged properties
Site staff inspect damaged properties in Buntingford (John Stillwell/PA)

He was remanded in custody.

Sitting on an estate still under construction, the homes in Ermine Street had external walls torn out, leaving debris littering their gardens.

A turquoise digger stood beside the devastation.

Neagu was not employed directly by McCarthy & Stone and was instead working for subcontractor Fenton, a McCarthy & Stone spokeswoman has said.

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