TWO men have today been handed jail terms after they were found guilty of felling the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. 

Former friends Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, have each been jailed for four years and three months - minus time already served - at Newcastle Crown Court after they were convicted of two counts of criminal damage committed during the course of one night in September 2023.

A further six months is also to be served concurrently for damage caused to Hadrian's Wall, which runs past the place where the tree stood. 

Judge Justice Lambert sentenced both men at Newcastle Crown Court today (July 15).Judge Justice Lambert sentenced both men at Newcastle Crown Court today (July 15). (Image: PA Video/PA Wire)

Mrs Justice Lambert says the men will be released no less than 40 per cent through their prison sentences.

The judge said one of the main reasons for the offence, which saw the men travel for more than 40 minutes from their homes in Cumbria, then carry their equipment across pitch-black moorland during a storm - appeared to be “sheer bravado”.

“You revelled in the coverage, taking pride in what you have done, knowing you were responsible for the crime so many people were talking about," she said. 

“Whether that was the sole explanation for what you did, I do not know, however I know you are both equally culpable.

“I can now be sure you, Adam Carruthers, were the person who felled the tree and you, Daniel Graham, assisted and encouraged him by driving there and back and not least by filming it on your phone," Mrs Justice Lambert told the court.

They took a wedge from the tree as a trophy that has never been recovered.

Police inspect the scene of the crimePolice inspect the scene of the crime (Image: PA)

Both men had been remanded in custody following a two-week trial in May where a jury convicted them after deliberating for just over five hours.

Making admissions in his Pre-Sentence Report, Andrew Gurney, for Carruthers, of Church Street, Wigton, said his client had finally offered a motive for chopping down the tree.

“Unfortunately, it is no more than drunken stupidity. He felled that tree and it is something he will regret for the rest of his life.

"There’s no better explanation than that.

“Mr Carruthers is someone who is going to have to bear the burden of what he has done for the rest of his life. He is a man of previous good character. That is gone. He will forever be linked to this act.

“He will have to carry this as some form of personal penance.”


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Chris Knox, defending Graham, of Milbeck Stables, Carlisle, said: “He is a troubled man who has had very real difficulties in his life, which have not all been of his own making.”

Mr Knox said Graham, a groundworker, had set up a “proper business which paid tax and did all the appropriate things”.

His home, and the business he operated from it, were attacked after he was remanded in custody, including having windows broken, the barrister said.

The court heard how Graham had two previous convictions for battery in 2007 and 2016 and two public order offences in 2021 and 2022, said to be 'relationship- based'. Carruthers has no previous convictions, arrests, reprimands or warnings.

During sentencing, Andrew Poad, a National Trust manager, gave a victim impact statement which was read out by Rebecca Brown, prosecution junior counsel.

“This iconic tree can never be replaced," he said.

The tree was world famous and described as 'totemic' in court.The tree was world famous and described as 'totemic' in court. (Image: LDRService)

“Whilst the National Trust has cared for it on behalf of the nation, it belonged to the people. It was totemic.”

“An overwhelming sense of loss and confusion was felt across the world.

“The question was why anyone would do this to such a beautiful tree in such a special place.

“It was beyond comprehension.”

The statement also said the cost of removing the tree was £30,000, with £20,000 to be spent on the site in 2025, all paid for from charitable funds.

Northumberland Superintendent Kevin Waring, of Northumbria Police, said: “The Sycamore Gap tree was truly an iconic landmark which held a special place in the hearts of many while being instantly recognisable across the world.

Shoots appearing to grow on the base of Sycamore gap treeShoots appearing to grow on the base of Sycamore gap tree (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

“News of the felling led to an outpouring of emotion - not just in our communities but far beyond.

“Thanks to the unwavering commitment of all involved in the case, two men have been sentenced for damaging not only the tree but also Hadrian’s Wall.

“This truly was a mindless act of vandalism and there could never be a justifiable reason for their actions that night.”

 “We continue to be aware of the strength of feeling across the North East and further afield in response to the felling.

“I would like to thank the public and our partners for their support throughout our investigation, helping to ensure those responsible have been brought to justice," he said.

The tree bathed in light from the aurora borealis.The tree bathed in light from the aurora borealis. (Image: PA)

Speaking after the sentencing, Nature Minister Mary Creagh said: “Today’s sentencing has seen justice done but it will not bring this majestic tree back.

“Once a historic tree is felled, it is lost forever, and I share people’s anger at this shocking act of environmental vandalism.

“I hope these individuals come to appreciate the impact their actions have had, and they have the chance to put right their wrongs.

“Heartbreaking attacks like this are devastating and we are considering how to give greater protections to trees of historic importance.”