Two men have been found guilty of cutting down the famous Sycamore Gap tree that stood for over 150 years, in a case that has sparked outrage across the UK. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were convicted of causing more than £620,000 worth of damage to the tree and over £1,000 worth of damage to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, where the tree fell.
The incident occurred on September 27, 2023, when the pair drove 30 miles through a storm from Cumbria to Northumberland, where they felled the tree in the early hours of the morning. Their actions were described by prosecutors as a "moronic mission" that resulted in a significant loss to the community.
At Newcastle Crown Court, the jury heard that the tree, which featured in the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," held a special place in the hearts of many. It was a popular spot for wedding proposals, memorials, and countless photographs, making its destruction particularly poignant for local residents.
Footage of the tree being cut down was presented during the trial, showing the moment it fell, with the sound of a chainsaw audible in the background. The video was recorded on Graham's iPhone 13, which also contained metadata indicating the exact location of the incident. Prosecutors argued that this evidence demonstrated a premeditated act of vandalism.
Throughout the trial, Graham and Carruthers attempted to shift the blame onto each other. However, the prosecution maintained that both men were equally culpable for what was described as a "mindless act of vandalism." Richard Wright KC, the prosecuting attorney, stated, "This was perhaps a trophy taken from the scene to remind them of their actions, actions that they appear to have been revelling in."
Voice notes exchanged between the defendants after the incident revealed their apparent glee at the media attention the felling received. In one message, Graham remarked to Carruthers, "Someone there has tagged like ITV News, BBC News, Sky News, like News News News," before adding, "I think it's going to go wild." This indicated that they were aware of the gravity of their actions but chose to revel in the notoriety instead.
In addition to the video footage, police discovered an image of a piece of wood and a chainsaw on Graham's phone, further implicating them in the crime. The prosecution argued that the defendants, who both had experience with chainsaws and tree felling, executed the act with a clear intent to destroy.
Northumbria Police Superintendent Kevin Waring commented on the case, stating, "We often hear references made to mindless acts of vandalism - but that term has never been more relevant than today in describing the actions of those individuals." He emphasized that there was no justification for their actions.
The destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree was felt deeply by the community. Northumberland National Parks Authority Chief Executive Tony Gates expressed the emotional impact of the loss, saying, "It just took a few days to sink in - I think because of the enormity of the loss. We knew how important that location was for many people at an emotional level, almost at a spiritual level in terms of people's connection to this case."
In an effort to preserve the tree's legacy, the National Trust has taken measures to ensure that parts of the Sycamore Gap continue to live on. Forty-nine saplings taken from the original tree have been conserved and will be planted in accessible public spaces across the UK as "trees of hope." This initiative aims to create a lasting memory of the tree and its significance to the community.
The defendants showed little reaction as the verdicts were delivered, and both Graham and Carruthers will face sentencing in July 2025. They could potentially receive lengthy prison sentences for their actions. The trial has not only highlighted the importance of the Sycamore Gap tree but has also raised awareness of the need to protect natural heritage sites across the country.
As the community grapples with the loss of this iconic landmark, the National Trust has reiterated its commitment to working with partners to ensure that the emotional connection people have with nature is honored and preserved. The Sycamore Gap tree may be gone, but its legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
