Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were convicted of criminal damage for cutting down the Sycamore Gap tree, a landmark in England, with prosecutors labeling their actions as reckless and mindless. The sentencing will take place in July.**
Defiant Duo Convicted for Destruction of Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree**
Defiant Duo Convicted for Destruction of Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree**
Two men have been found guilty of illegally felling a beloved tree in northern England, a landmark that held significant cultural value.**
In a shocking case that resonated across the UK, two men have been convicted of cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, a cherished landmark that has stood for over a century near Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were found guilty on Friday of criminal damage, after a trial revealed the duo had orchestrated the tree's illegal fell on September 28, 2023, despite their denials.
Prosecutors presented a series of evidence, including footage filmed on a cellphone that captured the moment of the felling under the cover of night, as well as text messages suggesting they celebrated the international attention received after the tree was discovered down. Prosecutor Richard Wright described the act as “deliberate and mindless criminal damage” and branded their endeavor a “moronic mission.”
The Sycamore Gap tree, which was planted in the late 1800s, served not just as a picturesque backdrop for countless visitors, but also as a significant cultural symbol, even making its way into the popular 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” On the night before its felling, the tree was cut down in mere minutes with a chainsaw, shocking both local residents and tourists who had admired it for decades.
As evidence flowed in, it was revealed that Graham had kept a cut segment of the tree's trunk as a trophy. In a poignant statement, Wright relayed that the sadness and anger felt by the community over the act of destruction extended far beyond the physical loss of the tree. The sentencing for both men is scheduled for July 15.
This case highlights the passionate connection people have to their natural heritage, reminding society of the importance of preserving such vital landmarks for future generations. As this story develops, communities are left reflecting on the value they place on their local environment and cultural history.
Prosecutors presented a series of evidence, including footage filmed on a cellphone that captured the moment of the felling under the cover of night, as well as text messages suggesting they celebrated the international attention received after the tree was discovered down. Prosecutor Richard Wright described the act as “deliberate and mindless criminal damage” and branded their endeavor a “moronic mission.”
The Sycamore Gap tree, which was planted in the late 1800s, served not just as a picturesque backdrop for countless visitors, but also as a significant cultural symbol, even making its way into the popular 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” On the night before its felling, the tree was cut down in mere minutes with a chainsaw, shocking both local residents and tourists who had admired it for decades.
As evidence flowed in, it was revealed that Graham had kept a cut segment of the tree's trunk as a trophy. In a poignant statement, Wright relayed that the sadness and anger felt by the community over the act of destruction extended far beyond the physical loss of the tree. The sentencing for both men is scheduled for July 15.
This case highlights the passionate connection people have to their natural heritage, reminding society of the importance of preserving such vital landmarks for future generations. As this story develops, communities are left reflecting on the value they place on their local environment and cultural history.
