Two men have been handed a total of four years and three months behind bars for the deliberate felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, a landmark that once stood proudly in Northumberland's picturesque landscape.
The pair, whose actions were branded a 'moronic mission' by prosecutors, caused widespread outrage after they targeted the beloved tree in an act described as showing 'humanity at its worst'.
A Beloved Landmark Lost
The Sycamore Gap tree, famously featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, had stood for centuries before being illegally cut down in what authorities called a 'wanton act of destruction'.
Courtroom Outrage
During sentencing, the judge condemned the defendants' actions as 'an attack on the natural heritage of the nation', noting the tree held special significance for both locals and visitors from around the world.
The court heard how the vandals:
- Planned the destruction in advance
- Used professional equipment to fell the tree
- Showed no remorse for their actions
Environmental Impact
Ecologists testified about the irreversible damage caused, explaining that while new growth might eventually appear, the unique shape and form of the original tree could never be replicated.
National Trust officials, who manage the site, expressed relief at the sentence but emphasised that no prison term could truly compensate for the loss of such an important natural monument.
Public Reaction
The sentencing has sparked mixed reactions across social media, with many applauding the tough stance while others debate whether the punishment fits the crime.
Local residents have begun fundraising efforts to potentially plant a successor tree, though experts caution that any replacement would take decades to mature into anything resembling the original landmark.
