Two convicted of chainsawing UK's famous Sycamore Gap
發佈日期: 2025-05-10 11:59
TVB News
Two men were found guilty of cutting down Britain's 'Sycamore Gap' tree two year ago, felling the much-loved landmark whose dramatic silhouettehad featured in a Hollywood movie in what prosecutors described as a "moronic mission".
The sycamore, estimated to be almost 200 years old, stood at the centre of a dramatic dip in the landscape alongside the historic Hadrian's Wall in northern England, making it a popular spot for photographers, hikers and even marriage proposals. Such was its fame that it featured in the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" and its felling in September 2023 provoked widespread grief and anger.
Prosecutors told Newcastle CrownCourt last month that Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were responsible for the "mindless vandalism", expertly and deliberately cutting it down with a chainsaw.
The felling also caused damage to part of Hadrian's Wall,built by the Romans almost 2,000 years ago and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Graham and Carruthers, who travelled to the site in the Northumberland National Park from their homes in the Carlisle area, about 25 miles away, had denied any involvement. But they were convicted of two counts of criminal damage.
The men will be sentenced on July 15.
Speaking after the verdict Superintendent Kevin Waringof Northumbria Police said: The Sycamore Gap was an iconic landmark, recognizable across the world, and which had a special place in the hearts of many. On the morning of the 28th of September, 2023, we woke to the devastating news that the tree had been cut down. Since then, we have been carrying out a meticulous investigation to identify those responsible. Due to the unwavering commitment of those involved in the case today, we have seen two men found guilty not only of damaging the tree, but also Hadrian's Wall. We often hear references to acts of mindless vandalism, but that term has never been more relevant than today in describing the actions of those individuals. At no point have the two men given an explanation as to why they targeted the tree, and there never could be a justifiable one. Throughout, we have recognized the strength of feeling not only here in the North-East, but also further afield, that the felling has caused.
