Two men, Daniel Graham (39) and Adam Carruthers (32), have been sentenced to over four years in prison for the deliberate felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in England, a significant part of the nation’s natural heritage. The act, which took place during a stormy night in September 2023, involved the use of a chainsaw, and has since been described by prosecutors as a misguided and foolish venture. Each man was convicted of two counts of criminal damage: one for destroying the tree and another for harming Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Justice Christina Lambert handed down a sentence of four years and three months, highlighting the premeditated nature of their actions and the widespread distress it caused within the community. She remarked that the two seemed to undertake this act for a thrill, taking pride in the media attention it garnered.
This case marks a historical first in the UK, as it is the first time individuals have been imprisoned for illegally cutting down a tree. Solicitor Sarah Dodd expressed sorrow over the event, noting that the tree was a symbol of memory and belonging, revered far beyond its physical attributes.
The Sycamore Gap tree, which gained notoriety from its appearance in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and had captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike, was considered a beloved landmark. It had won accolades, including the title of “Tree of the Year” in 2016, and was a site of remembrance for many.
At trial, both men denied involvement, but their claims crumbled under the weight of overwhelming digital evidence that tied them to the crime. Surveillance data placed Graham’s vehicle near the tree around the time it was cut down, and video footage found on his phone confirmed their actions.
As the judge deliberated, both men shifted their narrative, with Carruthers indicating he was inebriated during the incident. Nevertheless, the judge found that their testimonies were not entirely credible. The incident has sparked global outrage, with many expressing their grief over the loss of the tree, which Andrew Poad from the National Trust called irreplaceable.
Despite their initial claims of innocence, the evidence clearly demonstrated their complicity in the act, leading to a swift conviction by the jury. Lambert concluded that while the men had acted out of a moment of recklessness, the consequences of their actions have significantly impacted both the local community and the natural world.