Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers have been sentenced for their role in the destruction of a beloved landmark, evoking widespread outrage.
Men Sentenced for Felony of Felling Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree
Men Sentenced for Felony of Felling Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree
Two men receive prison terms for illegally cutting down a historic tree in northern England.
In a landmark decision, two individuals were sentenced to prison for their role in the illegal destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree, an emblematic landmark near Hadrian’s Wall in northern England. Daniel Graham, age 39, and Adam Carruthers, age 32, received sentences of four years and three months respectively, announced during a court hearing in Newcastle on July 15, 2025.
The Sycamore Gap tree, believed to have been planted in the 1800s, was cherished for its scenic beauty and had become a popular spot for photography and personal celebrations. Its arresting presence in a gentle dip along one of Britain's most historic sites, Hadrian’s Wall, had made it a beloved landmark for both locals and visitors alike. Judge Christina Lambert addressed the court, noting that the men’s actions resulted in a "sense of loss and confusion across the world."
Despite sentencing guidelines that allowed for as little as six months in prison for their crime of criminal damage, Judge Lambert deemed the consequences of their actions as warranting a harsher penalty. "What was once a place of peace and tranquility was deliberately chosen as their target," she stated, lamenting both the physical loss and the emotional impact on the community and visitors. The tree was found cut down in September 2023, an act that has since attracted considerable attention and condemnation.
Community members expressed their grief over the tree's absence, recalling its significance in many lives, including as a site for proposals and memorials. The echo of the tree’s loss continues to resonate as a reminder of nature's value and the responsibility we hold in preserving our natural heritage.
The Sycamore Gap tree, believed to have been planted in the 1800s, was cherished for its scenic beauty and had become a popular spot for photography and personal celebrations. Its arresting presence in a gentle dip along one of Britain's most historic sites, Hadrian’s Wall, had made it a beloved landmark for both locals and visitors alike. Judge Christina Lambert addressed the court, noting that the men’s actions resulted in a "sense of loss and confusion across the world."
Despite sentencing guidelines that allowed for as little as six months in prison for their crime of criminal damage, Judge Lambert deemed the consequences of their actions as warranting a harsher penalty. "What was once a place of peace and tranquility was deliberately chosen as their target," she stated, lamenting both the physical loss and the emotional impact on the community and visitors. The tree was found cut down in September 2023, an act that has since attracted considerable attention and condemnation.
Community members expressed their grief over the tree's absence, recalling its significance in many lives, including as a site for proposals and memorials. The echo of the tree’s loss continues to resonate as a reminder of nature's value and the responsibility we hold in preserving our natural heritage.
