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
Nassau gifts sleazy drug-infested former motel for $20M project to house struggling veterans: officials

Nassau County Allocates Former Motel Site for $20 Million Initiative to Support Homeless Veterans

Nassau County has transferred ownership of a notorious, derelict motel, once plagued…
China's president Xi caught knifing Trump in brutal attack

China’s President Xi Allegedly Involved in Physical Altercation with Former President Trump

For a brief moment at the APEC summit, it seemed as though…
Melodee Buzzard's mom switched license plates on trip: Officials

Officials Report: Melodee Buzzard’s Mother Allegedly Swaps License Plates During Trip

Authorities have provided updated information in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance…
Bryan Kohberger's professor called out his 'assumption' about local cops before Idaho student murders

Bryan Kohberger’s Professor Challenges His Perception of Local Police Prior to Idaho Student Murders

Bryan Kohberger aimed to explore the digital investigative methods of small-town police,…

Indiana Teen and Parents Charged in OWI Crash with Horse-Drawn Buggies: A Community Safety Alert

In Adams County, Indiana, a recent crash investigation has led to charges…
Taylor Swift 'beefs up security by $2M' amid fears for her safety

Taylor Swift Enhances Security Measures with $2 Million Investment Amid Safety Concerns

Taylor Swift has once again employed creative measures to maintain her privacy…
Fury as podcaster posts meme calling Erika Kirk a 'widow grifter'

Outrage Erupts Over Podcaster’s Controversial Meme Targeting Erika Kirk as a ‘Widow Grifter

Kyle Kulinski, a well-known left-wing podcaster, is facing significant criticism online following…
Trump urges New Yorkers to vote Cuomo for mayor: 'He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!'

Trump Throws Unexpected Support Behind Cuomo for NYC Mayor: A Bold Rebuke to Mamdani

In a surprising political twist, former President Donald Trump has made a…