Two men who felled the famous Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland have been jailed for four years and three months. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court for criminal damage after cutting down the iconic tree on Hadrian's Wall in September 2023.
The judge, Mrs Justice Lambert, rejected claims that Carruthers was drunk, stating that 'sheer bravado' and a 'thrill' were likely motives. The attack, carried out with a chainsaw, caused widespread sadness and anger globally. The tree, planted in the late 19th century, was a beloved beauty spot for picnics, proposals, and memorials.
Both men were found guilty in May of damaging the tree and the adjacent Unesco World Heritage site. Evidence included footage from Graham's phone of the felling and messages showing them revelling in the infamy. Prosecutor Richard Wright KC described the act as a 'moronic mission' and 'arboreal equivalent of mindless thuggery'.
Victim impact statements described the public response as 'unprecedented', with an 'overwhelming sense of loss'. The National Trust's Andrew Poad said the tree 'belonged to the people' and was a 'totemic symbol'. Carruthers' barrister argued it was 'drunken stupidity', but the court found the act required 'significant planning and premeditation'.
Graham's defence noted he had attempted suicide while on remand and received hate mail. The judge concluded both men were equally culpable, stating they 'revelled in the coverage' and took pride in their crime.
