In a case that has shocked the nation, two men have been found guilty of felling the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, a beloved landmark in Northumberland. Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, were convicted following a thorough investigation by Northumbria Police.
The tree, which stood for centuries in Hadrian's Wall country, was illegally cut down in September 2023, sparking widespread outrage. The prosecution presented compelling evidence, including forensic analysis and witness testimonies, linking the defendants to the crime.
A National Treasure Lost
The Sycamore Gap tree was one of the most photographed trees in the UK, famously featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Its destruction has been described as an attack on the country's natural heritage.
Justice Served
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney of Northumbria Police praised the collaborative effort that led to the convictions. "This was a senseless act of vandalism that robbed the public of a cherished landmark," she said. "We hope these convictions bring some measure of closure."
Graham and Carruthers are set to be sentenced next month, with legal experts predicting significant penalties given the cultural significance of their crime.
