Additionally, as all remains of Angel Cottage have been illegally removed from the site, the building will most likely not be reinstated; thus dashing the hopes of the local community.

Due to the severity of the offence the local council has subsequently taken the case to the Crown Court.

The judge handed Mr Khan a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £15,025 costs.

Despite its protected status, the Angel Cottage in Windmill Lane was demolished under the cover of plastic sheeting in November last year. The 1826 Georgian cottage had been sold at auction for £400,000 and stood opposite the Olympic site and the new Stratford City development on some of the most valuable development land in London.

The illegal demolition was discovered by outraged local residents who demanded an investigation of the case by both the council and English Heritage.