Conclave
£10.99Reporting from North East and Cumbria, Duncan Leatherdale and Evie Lake uncover the shocking case of two individuals accused of the senseless act of cutting down the historic Sycamore Gap tree. The prosecution described the felling as a “moronic mission”, with the defendants keeping a wedge of the tree as a trophy. Daniel Michael Graham and Adam Carruthers denied two counts of criminal damage, relating to the tree and the Roman wall it stood against.
The Sycamore Gap tree, which had been a landmark for over a century, was abruptly brought down in just minutes on the night of September 27, 2023. The court was informed that the accused individuals, who had driven 40 minutes to the site, were caught on mobile phone footage committing the deliberate act of mindless destruction. The prosecutor emphasized that the person filming the act was equally accountable for the damage inflicted on the iconic tree.
After the news of the incident spread internationally, both accused men shared various news and social media posts. Messages exchanged between them revealed a lack of remorse, with one remarking, “Here we go.” Further communication showcased their delight at the widespread attention their actions had garnered, indicating a disturbing level of excitement rather than regret.
Despite the defendants’ denial of involvement and attempts to shift blame onto each other, evidence presented in court suggests they had the necessary skills to bring down such a large tree. The prosecution noted that both individuals possessed chainsaws at their residences, although it was unlikely that these were the tools used in the incident. As the trial unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that the public condemnation of their actions has led to the unraveling of their once close friendship. The case continues, urging jurors to base their decisions solely on the evidence presented before them
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