Migrant workers tried to defend the luxury villa-type development
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A businessman who built a hostel for migrant workers without permission said the council that took him to court was like "the Mafia".
Allan Garrard, 29, claimed demands he pull down the villa, in a conservation area, were out of all proportion.
Mr Garrard, who employs hundreds of migrants in Lincs and Cornwall is on trial at Bourne Magistrates Court.
He denies failing to comply with a stop notice and an enforcement order as a result of the building work.
'Not friendly'
Mr Garrard, of St Johns Street, Holbeach, conducting his own defence at the court in Lincolnshire, criticised the council, branding its actions "unbelievable".
He told the hearing: "It is quite clear what has happened. It's prejudiced. This has been intimidatory. It's Mafia-ridden. It's just not friendly."
But planning officer Tony Harper, from South Holland District Council, said it was clear the development was unauthorised and Mr Garrard had ignored every chance to co-operate.
His hostel, with swimming-pool and water garden, was bulldozed by South Holland District Council last month.
Some 15 police officers were pelted with stones and eggs before the stand-off finally ended when the residents - who had been stopping the demolition - emerged one by one.
The trial continues.
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