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
Brothers break self-imposed 40 years of silence after sister was murdered by serial killer

Heartbreaking Reunion: Brothers End 40-Year Silence to Seek Justice for Sister’s Serial Killer Case

For forty years, the Logan brothers, John and David, who both served…
University of Florida disbands College Republicans chapter over alleged antisemitism

University of Florida Shuts Down College Republicans Chapter Amid Antisemitism Allegations

The University of Florida’s College Republicans chapter has been dissolved by the…
Democrats will win the Senate -- not just the House -- in November, campaign arm boss predicts

Democratic Campaign Chief Confident in Sweeping Senate and House Victories This November

WASHINGTON — On Sunday, the leader of the Democratic Party’s Senate campaign…
Pope Leo urges war leaders to halt fighting in Iran after deadly strike on school sparks outrage

Pope Leo Calls for Peace as Tragic School Strike in Iran Raises Global Concern

In a forceful appeal for peace, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged…
Any country except for US and Israel can pass through Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister says

Iran Restricts Strait of Hormuz Access to U.S. and Israel, Says Foreign Minister

In a strategic move aimed at undermining the US-led coalition, Iran announced…
Trump's top economic advisor reveals massive price tag of the Iran war so far

Trump’s Chief Economic Advisor Unveils Staggering Costs of Ongoing Iran Conflict

WASHINGTON — The ongoing conflict in Iran has already depleted at least…
Captain of Iranian women’s soccer team withdraws asylum bid

Iranian Women’s Soccer Captain Reverses Asylum Application: A Look into Her Decision

The captain of Iran’s women’s soccer team has decided to withdraw her…
AI warfare is here in the form of quadcopters and high-tech drones.

The Dawn of AI Warfare: Advanced Quadcopters and High-Tech Drones Take to the Skies

President Trump’s decisive actions against the Iranian regime are unfolding with remarkable…
DHS attorney who told judge 'this job sucks' looks to unseat Rep. Ilhan Omar

DHS Attorney Challenges Rep. Ilhan Omar: A Bold Bid to Transform Frustration into Political Change

Julie Le, a former attorney for the US Department of Homeland Security,…
Hamas tells Iran to stop 'targeting neighboring countries'

Hamas Urges Iran to Cease Aggression Towards Neighboring Nations

Even one of Iran’s staunchest terror allies is now calling for a…
Kentucky woman crushed to death by St. Patrick's Day Parade float in freak accident

Tragic Accident Claims Life of Kentucky Woman at St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Tragedy struck during the 53rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Louisville,…
Iran arrests dozens accused of being informants for Israel

Iran Detains Multiple Suspects Allegedly Spying for Israel

In a series of developments that have heightened tensions, Iranian authorities have…