Two men convicted of cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree

In the United Kingdom, two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, were found guilty of criminal damage for cutting down the renowned Sycamore Gap tree in northern England. This controversial act took place on September 28, 2023, during the night when the two men traveled from Cumbria to Northumberland National Park. The beloved tree, known for its picturesque setting along Hadrian's Wall, had stood for over 200 years and gained international fame from its appearance in the 1991 film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.' Prosecutors described the felling as an act of 'mindless thuggery,' emphasizing how the perpetrators believed it would be a humorous stunt. However, the public's outrage was immediate and overwhelming upon discovering the crime, leading to an outcry of condemnation. Both Graham and Carruthers denied responsibility throughout the trial, claiming they were not present at the time of the incident, despite evidence to the contrary, including a video taken by Graham's phone that captured the tree being cut down. During the trial, it became evident that the defendants had an intricate history, having been best friends prior to their falling out triggered by this event. Their testimonies shifted blame back and forth, with Graham suggesting Carruthers was mainly responsible for the act. Prosecutor Richard Wright contended that this behavior was both pathetic and cowardly, as they reveled in their act of vandalism until they realized the extent of the public's anger. Following their conviction, the trial highlighted significant issues of accountability and responsibility in the face of environmental vandalism. Sentencing is set for July 15, 2025, and both men could face substantial jail time. The damage to the tree was appraised at over £620,000, and additional damage was reported to the adjacent Hadrian's Wall. In response to this act, various organizations, including the National Trust, expressed their grief and shock over the loss of such a historical landmark, which had become a symbol of the North East of England.