Jurors Start Deliberations in Sycamore Gap Tree Cutting Case

NEWCASTLE, England — Jurors began deliberating Thursday in the trial of Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, who are accused of cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. The tree, famed for its picturesque location along Hadrian’s Wall, was felled on September 28, 2023. Graham and Carruthers have pleaded not guilty to two counts of criminal damage.

During the trial, which opened on April 28, Graham and Carruthers each testified that they were at their homes on the night the tree was cut down, claiming they were not involved in the incident. Justice Christina Lambert instructed the jurors to take their time in reaching unanimous verdicts.

The Sycamore Gap tree, while not the largest or oldest in Britain, was beloved for its beauty and rich history, having appeared in Kevin Costner’s film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.” Prosecutors argue that the tree’s value exceeded £620,000 (about $830,000), and damage to Hadrian’s Wall was estimated at £1,100.

Prosecutor Richard Wright told jurors that Graham and Carruthers had acted in “mindless thuggery” during a stormy night. Wright suggested that the duo cut down the tree for fun, not realizing the public outrage their actions would provoke. “They woke up the morning after and soon realized… it must have dawned on them that they couldn’t see anyone else smiling,” he stated.

Wright presented evidence including grainy video footage from Graham’s phone, allegedly showing the tree being cut down. The phone’s metadata indicated it was taken at the site in Northumberland National Park, where Graham’s Range Rover was tracked traveling on the night in question.

Defense attorneys for both men argued that their clients were innocent. Graham’s lawyer, Christopher Knox, claimed that Graham was trying to deflect blame onto Carruthers and an unidentified third party. He characterized Graham’s allegation as a desperate attempt to save himself.

Carruthers’ lawyer, Andrew Gurney, asserted that his client had no motive for cutting down the tree and could not be culpable. Gurney described the prosecution’s case against him as weak, arguing that Carruthers was at home with his partner and newborn child that night.

The trial has garnered significant media attention, and the eventual verdict could have implications for both men. They are scheduled for sentencing on July 15 if convicted.