Two men have been sentenced to four years and three months in prison for the deliberate felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, a cherished landmark near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, both from Cumbria, were convicted of criminal damage after they filmed themselves cutting down the tree with a chainsaw on the night of September 28, 2023.

The Incident and Sentencing

The Sycamore Gap tree, over a century old and a symbol of natural beauty, was toppled during Storm Agnes. The act was carried out under the cover of darkness and was captured on video by Graham. Sentencing the pair at Newcastle Crown Court, Mrs. Justice Lambert dismissed claims of "drunken stupidity," stating that the felling required skill and planning. The judge noted that the men seemed to derive a thrill from the notoriety of their actions.

Community and Cultural Impact

The destruction of the tree, which had featured in the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," sparked widespread anger and disbelief. The National Trust, which managed the site, described the tree as irreplaceable and a "totemic symbol" for the nation. Local residents expressed their shock and sadness, with many recalling personal memories associated with the landmark.

Background of the Perpetrators

Graham, who ran a groundworks business, and Carruthers, his close associate, were known in their communities but had not previously been involved in such acts. Despite their claims of being intoxicated, the court found their actions deliberate. The prosecution labeled the crime a "moronic mission," highlighting the pair's lack of remorse.