One man filmed the autumn scene while another operated a chainsaw, leading to a significant alteration of the landscape near the famous Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.
Within just three minutes, the iconic Sycamore Gap Tree—standing tall for almost 150 years—was cut down.
Now, the fate of the man found guilty of this act of senseless destruction is in the hands of a judge, who issued a sentence on Tuesday at Newcastle Crown Court.
Judge Christina Lambert cautioned Daniel Graham and Adam Calzars that they could face extended prison sentences, as they were convicted on two counts each.
Each count can result in a maximum sentence of ten years.
The illegal logging incident at Northumberland National Park on September 28, 2023, sparked widespread outrage, echoing beyond the ancient structures erected by Emperor Hadrian in 122 A.D. to secure the Roman Empire’s northwest border.
While it wasn’t the largest or oldest tree in England, the Sycamore Gap Tree was cherished for its stunning positioning between two hills, within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Locals had long held affection for the tree, but it gained broader fame after appearing in Kevin Costner’s 1991 movie, Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves.
It was a gathering place—a backdrop for tourists, lovers, landscape photographers, and even for those scattering the ashes of family members.
In 2016, it was even celebrated as the English “Tree of the Year.”
Graham, 39, and Carruthers, 32, friends who had been released following their arrests, maintained they were at home during the act. However, the evidence presented implicated both.
Graham’s Range Rover was spotted near the fallen tree, and a video found on his phone indicated it was shot at the scene.
Calzars received a text from his girlfriend concerning footage of their newborn, while data showed Graham’s vehicle traveling back about 40 minutes from the tree’s location.
“There’s a better video than that,” Carruthers texted back.
Although the judges did not hear any evidence regarding the reasons behind the crime, prosecutor Richard Wright described the duo’s actions as a “moronic mission,” suggesting they may have viewed it as a prank.
“They woke up the next morning, but… it likely dawned on them that they weren’t making anyone smile,” Wright remarked.
