A builder has formally apologised in court after illegally demolishing two historic beach shacks on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, leaving families devastated.
George Lavrentiadis appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, June 10 for sentencing submissions after pleading guilty in May to unlawfully destroying the 1930s-era holiday homes, located on Crown land within Deep Creek National Park along the Heysen Trail.
According to 7News, one of the shacks had been in the Robertson family for nearly 60 years, while a neighbouring shack — partially destroyed — was owned by a group of eight individuals.
Lavrentiadis admitted in court that he was paid $5,000 to clear the land by Julian Johnston, a multi-millionaire real estate agent based in Miami, USA, who allegedly wanted an improved view from his nearby property. Lavrentiadis said he regretted not checking whether the demolition was legal.
Johnston, who owns an adjacent $900,000 block and plans to build a $2 million home, has denied any involvement and has not been charged.
Victim Barry Robertson emotionally told the court, “It was much more than a shack. It was my castle.”
Another shack owner, Shelly Pomtiac, said: “The shacks had to go because he didn’t like the look of them. They were on Crown land, not his.”
The families say the cost of rebuilding to modern standards is prohibitive, and that the sentimental and historical value of the shacks is irreplaceable.
Lavrentiadis faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing due by the end of June.
Source: 7News
