Historic Sentence: Sycamore Gap Tree Vandals Jailed for Over Four Years
Historic Sentence: Sycamore Gap Tree Vandals Jailed for Over Four Years
Two men responsible for the infamous felling of England’s beloved Sycamore Gap tree have been sentenced to over four years in prison, in a landmark ruling for environmental damage in the UK. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, each received four years and three months at Newcastle Crown Court for criminal damage to the iconic tree and the adjacent Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Justice Christina Lambert condemned their “moronic mission,” carried out on a dark and stormy night in September 2023, highlighting the “high degree of premeditation and planning.” Lambert noted the pair’s “sheer bravado,” stating they “reveled in the coverage, taking evident pride” in their destructive act. This sentencing marks a significant precedent, as Sarah Dodd, a lawyer specializing in tree law, confirmed it is the first time in the UK someone has been imprisoned for illegally felling a tree.
The felling sparked widespread outrage across the nation, given the Sycamore Gap tree’s status as a cherished landmark, famously featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film “Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.” Andrew Poad, general manager of the National Trust, lamented that the “iconic tree can never be replaced,” calling it “a totemic symbol for many.”
Despite initial denials, Graham and Carruthers later admitted culpability. Prosecutors built a strong case using digital evidence, including tracking Graham’s vehicle near the site and a grainy video of the felling found on his phone. The court heard that Carruthers wielded the chainsaw, while Graham filmed the senseless act. This sentencing aims to provide a measure of justice for a crime that deeply saddened and angered the public.
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