The illegal felling of the beloved Sycamore Gap tree in 2023 sparked national outrage and a major police investigation. This is the full story of the crime that led to two men being sent to prison.
The Deliberate Vandalism of a National Icon
On the morning of 28 September 2023, the famous Sycamore Gap tree was deliberately cut down. The 120-year-old sycamore, also known as the Robin Hood tree from its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, was one of the most photographed landmarks in the UK. It stood proudly next to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland on land owned by the National Trust.
Locals discovered the felled tree just hours later. Investigators found a white spray-painted line below the cut and concluded a chainsaw had been used in what was a deliberate act of vandalism.
The Investigation and Arrests
Northumbria Police faced a significant challenge, with Detective Inspector Calum Meikle stating they began with no witnesses, no CCTV and no immediate forensic evidence. The breakthrough came from tip-offs provided by the public.
This intelligence led police to Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers. The pair were arrested on 31 October 2023. During the investigation, detectives uncovered damning evidence on their mobile phones, including:
- Voice notes apparently referring to the felling.
- Video footage of the incident.
- A photo of a section of the tree wedge found in Graham's car.
Sentencing and Lasting Aftermath
Following a trial at Newcastle Crown Court, both men were sentenced in July 2024. Graham and Carruthers each received a prison term of four years and three months for criminal damage.
While the loss of the mature tree is profound, there is a glimmer of hope. The National Trust has confirmed the stump remains alive and could regrow, though it may take 150 to 200 years to resemble its former glory. The first seedlings have already sprouted at the site. The tree's legacy also endured with a digital cameo in Danny Boyle's film 28 Years Later, paying tribute to its iconic status.
