[Aerkuld]

There is obviouly a great deal more to this story than what we see in the news clip. I do feel very sorry for Mr Dryden but it does appear that he was in the wrong from the start.
I believe the council has every right to demolish a structure that has been built without permission. He did not have permission when he started, and from what I can find, he was actually denied permission on several occasions. While it seems that it's very unusual for the process to get this far there was probably good reason for the permission being declined and the order to demolish the structure being issued. While I can see that the situation became one of desperation for Mr Dryden I do think that he was completely in the wrong doing what he did. Sure, he had put all of his money into the building but that was entirely his own fault. If he had followed procedure I am sure the planners would have advised him properly, either not to proceed or suggested ways to proceed in a manner that the planning application would be granted.
On the other hand, it was a little inconsiderate to have the press and TV crew there to watch the council demolish some poor guys house. I am sure the situation could have been handled better and the whole 'circus' atmosphere probably elevated the situation by antagonising Mr Dryden.
Consequently I wouldn't agree with any of the options in the poll. The council weren't completely honorable by doing what they did, even if they were in the right. Mr Dryden wasn't right nor was he a whacko, simply a man who made a big mistake and couldn't find a reasonable solution.