Two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, have been jailed for carrying out a “moronic mission” to fell one of the most beloved trees in the UK, the Sycamore Gap tree. The tree crashed onto Hadrian’s wall in Northumberland during a stormy night in 2023, causing widespread sadness and anger around the world.
Graham, 39, and Carruthers, 32, were sentenced to four years and three months in prison each for the act of criminal damage that led to the tree’s downfall. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but Judge Mrs Justice Lambert suggested that “sheer bravado” and a desire for thrill-seeking may have played a role.
The Sycamore Gap tree was a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with people going there to picnic, celebrate birthdays, propose marriage, or simply take photos. Graham and Carruthers had denied the charges, but evidence showed that Graham’s car had been used to drive to the site with a chainsaw in the boot.
During their trial, the jury watched footage of the tree being felled and heard messages between the pair that showed them reveling in the infamy of their actions. The judge described the public response to the felling as “unprecedented,” adding that the loss of the iconic tree was felt around the world.
The National Trust’s general manager, Andrew Poad, read a victim impact statement during sentencing, describing the public’s sense of loss and confusion over the felling. Carruthers’ barrister acknowledged that his client would have to bear the burden of his actions for the rest of his life.
The court also heard from Kim McGuinness, the metro mayor for north-east England, who expressed hope that the pair now realized the seriousness of their actions. Despite the sentences, many in the public gallery, including a 78-year-old woman who traveled from Wolverhampton to attend the sentencing, felt that justice had not been served and still struggled to understand why the tree was felled.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/15/sycamore-gap-tree-felling-men-jailed