Two Men Jailed Four Years for Sycamore Gap Tree Damage

Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were sentenced to four years and three months in prison for felling the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland in September 2023, an act described by prosecutors as a "moronic mission." The two men drove from Cumbria during a storm and cut down the tree in less than three minutes, causing over £622,000 in damage to the tree and additional damage to Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A tip-off and forensic evidence, including a video found on Graham's phone capturing the felling, were crucial in solving the case. Despite initially blaming each other, both men eventually admitted their roles, with the court rejecting claims they were intoxicated or unaware of the consequences. The defendants took a wedge from the tree as a trophy, which remains missing, and appeared to revel in the widespread media attention following the incident. The sentencing judge ruled both men equally culpable and ordered they serve at least 40% of their sentences in jail.