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
Unhinged suspect who allegedly clocked NYPD cop in head inside subway station is busted: sources

Chaos in the Subway: Unhinged Suspect Arrested for Alleged Assault on NYPD Officer

A man accused of assaulting an NYPD officer during an attempted arrest…
San Francisco mayor under fire for response to attack on bodyguard

San Francisco Mayor Faces Criticism Over Handling of Bodyguard Attack Incident

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie is facing criticism for what many perceive…
fellow Soviet Union 'descendants' are 'more cultured' than other Americans

Former Soviet Union Descendants Considered More Cultured Than Other Americans, Study Reveals

A Brooklyn politician, originally from the USSR, recently stirred controversy by suggesting…
San Diego school trustees bump pay up 400% as workers fume

San Diego School Board Faces Backlash After Implementing Staggering 400% Pay Raise

A recently enacted state law permitting public school board members to authorize…
Trump warns Iran will be 'hit very hard' on Saturday, says regime 'apologized' to Middle East neighbors

Trump’s Bold Warning: Iran Faces Severe Retaliation as Regime Issues Apology to Middle East Neighbors

President Trump issued a stark warning to Iran on Saturday, indicating that…
Second alleged Guthrie ransom deadline missed, sparking new theories from Bongino, former FBI agent and doctor

Wi-Fi Jamming Causes Camera Glitch in Nancy Guthrie’s Neighborhood: Experts Weigh In

The investigation into the February kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother has taken…
Tourist's bird-brained Vegas stunt with flamingo lands him behind bars on felony charges

Vegas Tourist Arrested on Felony Charges After Bizarre Flamingo Incident at Casino

A night out in Las Vegas took an unexpected and peculiar twist…
Trump-tariff refunds being hashed out in closed-door 'settlement conference'

Behind Closed Doors: Settlement Talks on Trump-Tariff Refunds Underway

This Friday, a U.S. judge is set to convene a private meeting…
Casting nominee reacts to Oscars' first new category in 25 years

Oscars Unveil Groundbreaking New Category: Casting Nominee Shares Exclusive Reaction

As the Oscars ceremony unfolds this March 15, audiences will be greeted…
While UN Issues mixed signals, Witkoff exposes Iran's nuclear evasion ‘pride’

UN Sends Mixed Messages as Witkoff Unveils Iran’s ‘Prideful’ Nuclear Evasion

Steve Witkoff’s revelations about his discussions with Iran and their bold claims…
Utah aunt Linda Dewey niece Natalie Graves found dead after Ivan Miller killing spree

Tragic End: Utah Family Targeted in Devastating Ivan Miller Rampage

A tragic event unfolded this week in Utah, where an aunt and…
'Weeks, not months' before gas prices come down, Energy Secretary Chris Wright says

Energy Secretary Chris Wright Predicts Sooner-Than-Expected Drop in Gas Prices

On Friday morning, Energy Secretary Chris Wright expressed optimism that gas prices,…