Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were found guilty by a jury in Newcastle Crown Court for cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, which had stood for around 200 years. The prosecution highlighted the significant emotional and historical value the tree held for locals and visitors. Despite the defendants claiming innocence, they were convicted of criminal damage, as evidence emerged of their filming the tree's felling and sharing it subsequently. The act was described by prosecutors as a 'moronic mission', revealing their insensitivity to the backlash and damage caused to this UNESCO Heritage site.
The Sycamore Gap tree, standing by Hadrian's Wall for 200 years, met its destruction as two men were found guilty of its felling in a deliberate act.
Chief prosecutor Gale Gilchrist called the Sycamore Gap an iconic natural landmark that provided immeasurable joy, highlighting the tree's cultural significance.
Prosecutor Richard Wright described their act as a 'moronic mission', stating they reveled in their destruction and its worldwide fallout.
The court heard how the defendants filmed the act with Graham's phone, showcasing their lack of remorse over the historical loss.
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