**Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers are set to be sentenced in July after their actions resulted in public outrage and deep sorrow.**
**Men Convicted for Destruction of Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree**
**Men Convicted for Destruction of Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree**
**Two individuals face sentencing for the deliberate felling of a historic tree that was beloved by locals and tourists alike.**
In a courtroom in Newcastle, a significant verdict was delivered as two men were found guilty of committing an act that has resonated profoundly across Britain—the felling of the renowned Sycamore Gap tree in 2023. Daniel Graham, aged 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, faced serious consequences for their "mindless mission" that left the nation in shock and grief.
During the trial, prosecutor Richard Wright outlined how the duo traveled from Carlisle to the iconic location near Hadrian’s Wall, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Witnesses were informed that the beloved tree was unlawfully cut down on September 28, 2023, a decision that sparked widespread anger and confusion among the public. Despite their protests of innocence, both men were ultimately convicted of criminal damage.
Detailing their audacious act, Mr. Wright revealed that the pair filmed the incident on a cellphone, further underscoring the senseless nature of their actions, which they engaged in with laughter and thrill. In a shocking twist, Graham was discovered to have kept a segment of the tree as a souvenir, and conversations between the two men revealed their enjoyment of media attention post-event. Sentencing for the pair is scheduled for July 15.
This majestic tree, estimated to be over a century old, had deeply impacted the lives of many, serving as both a local landmark and an inspiration to visitors from around the globe. Its origins trace back to the late 1800s, and it had even captured national prominence by featuring in the classic 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”
The act of cutting down the tree took mere minutes, utilizing a chainsaw late at night on September 27, 2023. Jurors were shown harrowing footage of the tree's destruction, captured on Graham's cellphone, alongside images of the infamous wooden wedge displayed next to a chainsaw in his vehicle.
This case continues to evolve, and further updates are expected as it develops.
