The iconic Sycamore Gap tree, a cherished landmark nestled between two hills along Hadrian’s Wall in northern England, was felled in a deliberate act of vandalism, a prosecutor told jurors as the trial of two men accused of cutting it down began on Tuesday.
Captured in grainy black-and-white footage, the dramatic scene from September 28, 2023, showed a single person silhouetted against the distinctive shape of the tree, with the sound of a chainsaw cutting through its rings. The footage then depicted the tree teetering and crashing onto the ancient stone wall that had stood for centuries.
Prosecutor Richard Wright described the act as “mindless criminal damage” and pointed to the trail of evidence left behind, including video and photos, as well as boastful messages the defendants sent after the incident. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, have pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal damage, with the value of the tree assessed at over 620,000 pounds (around US$830,000) and the damage to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wall at 1,100 pounds (nearly US$1,500).
The Sycamore Gap tree, though not the largest or oldest in Britain, gained worldwide fame after being featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. It had become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the region, drawing landscape photographers and social media enthusiasts.
The two men, who had previously been close friends, are now at odds, with each attempting to shift blame onto the other. According to Wright, Graham has denied involvement, claiming his phone and vehicle were used without his knowledge, while Carruthers maintains he wasn’t at the scene.
Despite the absence of opening statements from the defense, it’s clear the case is centered around the duo’s pride in their actions. Prosecutors revealed that after the tree was felled, Graham and Carruthers exchanged excited texts and voice messages, relishing in the viral news of the destruction they had caused.
Wright also noted that a “trophy” from the tree, a wedge of wood, was taken from the scene and never recovered, though photos from Graham’s phone appeared to show it in his vehicle. While police found chainsaws at both men’s homes, they have not yet identified the specific saw used in the felling.
The trial continues, with the prosecution asserting that both men are equally guilty for their roles in the destruction of a beloved landmark.
Source: Swifteradio.com
