Two men responsible for the shocking destruction of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree near Hadrian’s Wall have been handed prison sentences. Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, deliberately cut down the iconic tree in an act of senseless vandalism that outraged the nation.
The Crime That Shocked the UK
In September 2023, Graham and Carruthers used a chainsaw to fell the 300-year-old sycamore, a landmark immortalised in films and cherished by hikers and tourists. The tree, standing alone in a dramatic dip along Hadrian’s Wall, was a symbol of natural beauty and historical significance.
Justice Served
Newcastle Crown Court sentenced Graham to two years and Carruthers to 18 months in prison. Judge Sarah Mallett condemned their actions as "a deliberate attack on a national treasure," emphasising the irreversible damage caused.
Public Outrage and Environmental Impact
The felling sparked widespread anger, with conservationists and locals mourning the loss. Experts confirmed the tree cannot be regrown to its former glory, though efforts are underway to propagate new saplings from its remains.
This case highlights the need for stronger protections for natural landmarks and stricter penalties for environmental vandalism.
