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
Watchdog targets taxpayer-funded National Academies over DEI, climate and transgender spending

Watchdog Scrutinizes National Academies’ Use of Taxpayer Funds for DEI, Climate, and Transgender Initiatives

A prominent consumer advocacy group has raised concerns about the National Academies…
State Farm humiliated after California drone spying scandal

State Farm’s California Drone Controversy: Privacy Breach Sparks Outrage

State Farm has decided to reinstate the insurance policy of a homeowner…
Video shows Eric Valencia get into police squad car where he was later found dead

Tragic Incident: Eric Valencia Found Dead in Police Squad Car After Video Surfaces

A troubling new video has emerged showing a man entering a squad…
Michigan Dem told staffers to be silent on Khamenei's death because of 'sad' voters in shock audio leak

Leaked Audio Reveals Michigan Democrat Urged Silence on Khamenei’s Passing Due to Voter Sensitivity

WASHINGTON — In a startling development, leaked audio has surfaced of a…
Israel foils Hamas terror network run from Turkey

Israel Thwarts Hamas Terror Operation Masterminded from Turkey: A Closer Look at the Security Breakthrough

The Israeli Security Agency, known as Shin Bet, announced on Monday the…
Jury selection begins Monday for man accused of killing two, including Kamiyah Mobley's brother

Jury Selection Commences for High-Profile Case: Accused in Double Homicide, Including Kamiyah Mobley’s Brother

The wheels of justice began to turn in Jacksonville as jury selection…
Teacher of the Year finalist gets 14 years for sexual relationship with student she kept contacting

Former Teacher of the Year Finalist Sentenced to 14 Years for Inappropriate Student Relationship

A former educator from Colorado and a finalist for the 2025 state…
Trump says he could 'take the oil in Iran' as he mulls over seizing Kharg Island

Trump Considers Strategic Seizure of Iran’s Kharg Island, Suggests Potential Oil Extraction

President Trump has floated the idea that the United States might seize…
Confirmed: Trump Reveals Iranian Leader He's Talking To, Will Know 'In About a Week' If He's Trustworthy

Trump Discloses Iranian Leader Talks, Trust Decision Expected Soon

In a recent development, President Donald Trump disclosed ongoing negotiations with an…
Trump unveils renderings for Miami skyscraper that will serve as his presidential library 

Trump Reveals Vision for Miami Skyscraper to House Presidential Library

On Monday, former President Donald Trump revealed ambitious plans for a presidential…
House GOP subpoenas California official over EV mandate emails with Newsom

California Official Subpoenaed by House GOP Over Electric Vehicle Mandate Correspondence with Governor Newsom

WASHINGTON — In a significant move, a prominent House committee has issued…
Trump puts Iran, its new speaker on notice after Tehran attack on Israeli oil refinery

Trump Warns Iran and New Speaker Following Tehran’s Alleged Attack on Israeli Oil Refinery

WASHINGTON — In a bold statement on Monday, President Trump issued a…