LONDON (AP) — The beloved Sycamore Gap tree, which had graced the landscape of Hadrian's Wall for nearly 150 years, was felled by two individuals in a shocking act of vandalism. This illegal cutting took place during the night of September 28, 2023, and was recorded by one of the perpetrators, Daniel Graham, while the other, Adam Carruthers, operated the chainsaw. In a matter of three minutes, the picturesque tree, valued for its stunning setting, was brought crashing down, leading to public outrage.
The tree was located in Northumberland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was not the largest or oldest of its kind, but it held significant sentimental value for locals and visitors alike. Particularly famous for its symmetrical placement between two hills, it attracted tourists, photographers, and even those choosing to scatter the ashes of their loved ones. Notably, the tree gained fame from its appearance in Kevin Costner's 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and was honored as the English "Tree of the Year" in 2016.
Following a trial in which both men were convicted of two counts of criminal damage, the fate of Graham, 39, and Carruthers, 32, now rests with a judge who will determine their sentences at Newcastle Crown Court. Justice Christina Lambert indicated that the convicted vandals could face a significant jail term, with each count carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison.
While the two men denied their involvement in the crime, claiming they were at home during the incident, the evidence presented at trial was compelling. Graham's Range Rover was recorded near the tree around the time of the felling, and grainy video footage recovered from his phone verified that the act was filmed at the scene. This digital evidence placed Graham at the crime scene, while Carruthers was implicated through text messages exchanged shortly after the tree's destruction.
Prosecutor Richard Wright suggested during the closing arguments that the men may have engaged in a foolish prank, although the jury was not presented with a clear motive for their reckless actions. Wright characterized their actions as a "moronic mission," noting that the reality of the tree's absence likely struck them the following morning when they observed the lack of joy around them.
The incident has sparked widespread outcry not just locally but also across the UK and beyond, as vast audiences learned of the loss to nature and heritage. Many have expressed their dismay over the thoughtless destruction of a landmark that had become a cherished part of the cultural and historical fabric of the region.
As the case develops and the sentencing approaches, communities continue to reflect on the significance of the Sycamore Gap tree and the profound impact of its loss.
