Sycamore Gap vandals face their fate in English court for felling beloved tree
Share and Follow

With one man holding a phone to capture the infamous fall of the tree and the other operating a chainsaw, a duo of vandals permanently changed the scenery of a cherished area along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.

In less than three minutes, the beloved Sycamore Gap tree that had stood for nearly 150 years crashed to the ground.

The fate of the men convicted of the senseless act now lies in the hands of a judge who will sentence them Tuesday in Newcastle Crown Court.

Justice Christina Lambert cautioned Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers that they might encounter a “lengthy period in custody” after being convicted in May on two counts each of criminal damage.

Each count carries a penalty of up to 10 years behind bars.

The unlawful tree felling in Northumberland National Park on September 28, 2023, sparked immediate public outrage and news of the event quickly traveled beyond the ancient wall established by Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 to guard the Roman Empire’s northwest frontier.

It wasn’t Britain’s biggest or oldest tree, but it was prized for its picturesque setting, symmetrically planted between two hills along the wall that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tree had long been known to locals but became famous after a cameo in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.”

It drew tourists, lovers, landscape photographers and even those who spread the ashes of loved ones.

It was voted English “Tree of the Year” in 2016.

Graham, 39, and Carruthers, 32, once close friends who had a falling out since their arrests, denied taking part in the act, claiming they were each at their homes that night. But evidence shown to the jury implicated both men.

Graham’s Range Rover was near the tree around the time it fell. Grainy video of the felling was found on his phone — with metadata showing that it was shot at the location of the tree.

As digital data showed Graham’s vehicle on its way back to where the two lived about 40 minutes away, Carruthers got a text from his girlfriend with footage of their 12-day-old son.

“I’ve got a better video than that,” Carruthers replied.

The jury didn’t hear evidence of a motive for the crime, but prosecutor Richard Wright suggested in his closing argument that the two had been on a “moronic mission” and cut down the tree as a joke.

“They woke up the morning after and … it must have dawned on them that they couldn’t see anyone else smiling,” Wright said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Staffing shortages cause more US flight delays as government shutdown reaches 7th day

Flight Delays in the US Worsen Due to Staffing Shortages Amid Week-Long Government Shutdown

Staffing shortages led to more flight delays at airports across the U.S.…
Barron set for top job as Trump takes control of platform used by 150m

Barron Poised for Leadership Role as Trump Gains Command of a 150 Million User Platform

Jack Advent, who previously produced content for President Donald Trump’s TikTok, celebrated…
Nicole Kidman opens up about 'talking risks' amid Keith Urban divorce

Nicole Kidman Discusses ‘Taking Risks’ During Divorce From Keith Urban

Nicole Kidman is sharing her experiences of ‘taking risks’ and reflecting on…
Reporter's Notebook: Hamas Oct 7 attacks survivor recalls Gaza captivity 2 years later

Reporter’s Notebook: Hamas Oct 7 attacks survivor recalls Gaza captivity 2 years later

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Exactly two years ago,…
Rep. Katie Porter speaks during a small rally in front of the Supreme Court building

Katie Porter Ends CBS Interview Following Inquiry About Trump Supporters

() Former Democratic representative and California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter has gone…
White House says it will use tariff money to fund nutrition program amid shutdown

White House Announces Plan to Use Tariff Revenues for Nutrition Program During Government Shutdown

(The Hill) – The White House said Tuesday it will use money…
Rosie O'Donnell says dramatic fight on The View was a 'setup'

Rosie O’Donnell Claims Intense Clash on The View Was Orchestrated

Rosie O’Donnell has a surprising theory about a dramatic fight on The…
Noem likens Antifa to ISIS, other terror groups that want to ‘kill’ Americans

Noem likens Antifa to ISIS, other terror groups that want to ‘kill’ Americans

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Homeland Security Secretary Kristi…