Demolition man returns to court over stone footings that seemingly ‘disappeared’

The man who illegally demolished a heritage-listed house to make way for four townhouses has returned to court to face charges over stone footings that “disappeared”.

• Mount Stuart heritage house demolition court case delayed
• Darko Krajinovic loses appeal against $225,000 fine

A TWO-day court stoush for a man who demolished his heritage-listed cottage at Mt Stuart without council approval has begun after previously being delayed three times.

Darko Krajinovic, who was convicted and fined $225,000 over the February 2017 demolition, appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Wednesday to face different charges related to the alleged removal of stone footings at the site.

Mr Krajinovic has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including failure to ensure demolition work complied with the Building Act, failure to engage a building surveyor, and undertaking a development contrary to a planning scheme.

The heritage-listed house at 55 Mount Stuart Road before it was fully demolished. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

The prosecutor told the court there was no direct evidence of Mr Krajinovic or agents of his removing the footings, but they seemingly “disappeared” after October 11, 2018.

The prosecutor said the motive for removing the footings was profit via the development of the property.

The hearing before Magistrate Jackie Hartnett continues on Thursday.