Daniel Michael Graham, 39, from Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 32, from Wigton in Cumbria, are currently facing trial after being accused of chopping down the world-famous Sycamore Gap tree. The prosecutors have alleged that the tree was felled in a “moronic mission” in the early hours of 28 September 2023 as a “bit of a laugh.” The tree, which had stood on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for over 100 years, was a beloved landmark with global significance due to its location on the former frontier of the Roman empire.
During the trial, prosecutors described the act as “the arboreal equivalent of mindless thuggery” while the defense maintained the innocence of the accused. The court heard that Mr. Graham’s phone and Range Rover were tracked to and from the site, with a video on his phone allegedly showing the tree being felled. Furthermore, a photograph reportedly taken by Mr. Graham of a wedge of wood in the boot of his car served as evidence of the crime.
Prosecutor Richard Wright KC highlighted the global outrage sparked by the tree’s destruction, emphasizing how the defendants’ actions had been met with sadness and anger from people worldwide. The court was informed that Mr. Graham and Mr. Carruthers were the only individuals in possession of the video recording of the tree being cut down, leading to suspicions about their involvement. The prosecutors suggested that the defendants had resorted to lying in an attempt to avoid the public backlash and evade accountability for their actions.
Both defendants denied any role in the felling of the tree, with Mr. Graham suggesting that Mr. Carruthers was responsible and Mr. Carruthers claiming he had no knowledge of the incident. The prosecution argued that the pair, who were described as “obsessively close friends,” were in fact a proficient team when it came to cutting down trees. The ongoing trial focuses on unraveling the motives and determining the actual culprits behind the felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree
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