Sycamore Gap vandals face their fate in English court for felling beloved tree
Share this @internewscast.com

As one individual recorded the infamous event on a phone and another wielded a chainsaw, two men drastically changed the landscape of a cherished portion of Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.

In less than three minutes, the beloved Sycamore Gap tree that had stood for nearly 150 years crashed to the ground.

The fate of the men convicted of the senseless act now lies in the hands of a judge who will sentence them Tuesday in Newcastle Crown Court.

Justice Christina Lambert cautioned Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers that they could be sentenced to a “lengthy period in custody,” after being found guilty in May of two counts of criminal damage each.

Each count carries a penalty of up to 10 years behind bars.

The unauthorized cutting in Northumberland National Park on September 28, 2023, sparked immediate fury, with the news quickly spreading beyond the historic wall erected by Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 to safeguard the northwest boundary of the Roman Empire.

It wasn’t Britain’s biggest or oldest tree, but it was prized for its picturesque setting, symmetrically planted between two hills along the wall that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tree had long been known to locals but became famous after a cameo in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.”

It drew tourists, lovers, landscape photographers and even those who spread the ashes of loved ones.

It was voted English “Tree of the Year” in 2016.

Graham, 39, and Carruthers, 32, once close friends who had a falling out since their arrests, denied taking part in the act, claiming they were each at their homes that night. But evidence shown to the jury implicated both men.

Graham’s Range Rover was near the tree around the time it fell. Grainy video of the felling was found on his phone — with metadata showing that it was shot at the location of the tree.

As digital data showed Graham’s vehicle on its way back to where the two lived about 40 minutes away, Carruthers got a text from his girlfriend with footage of their 12-day-old son.

“I’ve got a better video than that,” Carruthers replied.

The jury didn’t hear evidence of a motive for the crime, but prosecutor Richard Wright suggested in his closing argument that the two had been on a “moronic mission” and cut down the tree as a joke.

“They woke up the morning after and … it must have dawned on them that they couldn’t see anyone else smiling,” Wright said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Accused killer of Minnesota lawmakers teases 'important details' in letter during jailhouse interview

Minnesota Lawmakers’ Accused Killer Hints at ‘Important Details’ in Jail Interview Letter

The individual charged with the fatal shooting of a Minnesota legislator and…
Crime scene at a Victorville convenience store.

Teddy bear with ‘realistic human skin, eyes, and lips’ discovered on sidewalk causes alarm

A DISTURBING teddy bear seemingly made out of human skin sparked a…
Avelo Airlines to exit West Coast markets, close Burbank base

Avelo Airlines to Leave West Coast Markets, Shut Down Burbank Hub

The budget carrier said all West Coast operations will end by early…
A Florida county leads the way with a high-tech 911 system that improves emergency response

Florida County Revolutionizes Emergency Services with Advanced 911 System

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — In the event of an emergency within Collier…
Wildfire along Grand Canyon's North Rim destroys historic lodge and is spreading rapidly

Historic Lodge Destroyed as Wildfire Rapidly Spreads Along Grand Canyon’s North Rim

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A wildfire that destroyed a historic lodge and…

Exploring the Science of Shark Bites: National Geographic’s ‘Investigation Shark Attack’ at ‘Sharkfest’

“Sharkfest” dives deep with a new series and some jaw-dropping science. National…
Sen. Rand Paul Exposes Secret Service Failures. Assassination

Sen. Rand Paul Unveils Secret Service Shortcomings: A Security Breach Insight

A scathing Senate report from Rand Paul details how Secret Service failures…
Airplane landing over houses.

Concerns Mount Over Air India Crash as Experts Suggest Pilot Intent May Have Led to Fuel Cut-off

Concerns are growing over the possibility that the tragic Air India flight…
The Internet Is Laughing at Debbie Wassermann Schultz and Her 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Debbie Wassermann Schultz Becomes the Butt of Internet Jokes with Her ‘Alligator Alcatraz’

My colleague Bob Hoge covered remarks made by Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL)…
HUNT, TEXAS - JULY 12: A law enforcement officer walks towards cleaning crews on July 12, 2025 in Hunt, Texas. More than 160 people are still missing after storm cells halted over the area, dumping nearly 15 inches of rain and causing a 22-foot rise along the Guadalupe River. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Severe Weather Alert in Texas Following Deadly Floods That Claimed 132 Lives

A NEW weather emergency is unfolding in Texas as more heavy rain…
Preserve What Works: Protecting Seniors Through a Balanced Drug Pricing System

Safeguarding Seniors with a Balanced Approach to Drug Pricing

The health care system is crucial for America’s seniors, who heavily rely…
Portrait of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal in uniform.

What Caused Air India Flight 171’s Fuel Shutdown: Pilot Mistake, Mechanical Failure, or Deliberate Act?

TO the terrified locals who ducked when Air India Flight 171 narrowly…