Two men who cut down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland have been sentenced to more than four years in prison. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were each jailed for four years and three months at Newcastle Crown Court for criminal damage to the tree and Hadrian's Wall, a Unesco World Heritage site.
The tree, believed to have been planted in the late 19th century, was felled with a chainsaw on a stormy night in September 2023. The act sparked widespread sadness and anger, with the judge describing it as a 'moronic mission'. The pair had denied the offence but were found guilty in May after evidence including footage from Graham's phone showed the tree being cut down.
Sentencing, Mrs Justice Lambert said the motive remained unclear but rejected claims of drunkenness, suggesting 'sheer bravado' and 'some sort of thrill' were likely factors. She noted that Carruthers cut the tree while Graham filmed, and that they 'revelled in the coverage' of their crime.
The court heard a victim impact statement from Andrew Poad of the National Trust, describing the public response as 'unprecedented' and the sense of loss as 'overwhelming'. The tree, a popular spot for picnics, proposals, and memorials, 'can never be replaced', he said.
Prosecutor Richard Wright KC urged the court to reject claims of intoxication, stating the felling required 'significant planning' and was carried out in a 'deliberate, professional way'. Defence barristers highlighted the men's remorse and previous good character, with Carruthers' lawyer calling it 'drunken stupidity' that he will regret for life.
