On September 28, 2023, two men, 39-year-old Daniel Graham and 32-year-old Adam Carruthers, were found guilty of cutting down the Sycamore Gap tree, a beloved landmark near Hadrian's Wall, by Newcastle Crown Court on Friday. Prosecutors described the act as “deliberate and mindless criminal damage” that horrified many who regarded the over-100-year-old tree as an essential part of the landscape. Although both individuals denied their involvement, they were convicted based on evidence including a cellphone video that captured the tree's felling. Witnesses learned during the trial that Graham had retained a piece of the tree as a souvenir and that the duo appeared to revel in the extensive media coverage following the tree's demise. Sentencing for both men is scheduled for July 15, as the restoration of this significant site remains a critical focus for the community and conservationists alike.
Two Men Convicted for Cutting Down Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree
Two Men Convicted for Cutting Down Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree
In a shocking crime that captured national attention, two men were found guilty of illegally felling a historic tree in northern England, stirring deep emotions across the country.
This tree was not only a stunning natural landmark but also a cultural icon, having appeared in the iconic film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." The tree’s removal on the preceding night was facilitated by a chainsaw, as shown in the footage shared during the trial. This case remains significant in discussions about environmental conservation and criminal accountability. Further updates will be provided as the story develops.
