Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were convicted of criminal damage for chopping down the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland during Storm Agnes. Their actions, described as mindless vandalism, resulted in over 622,000 GBP in damage to the tree, which had stood for over a century and was a beloved landmark. The men, whose friendship unraveled during the investigation, filmed the act and shared gloating messages about their achievement. The conviction highlights the value of the tree to the local community and the significant public outrage following its destruction.
The pair's actions were deemed 'mindless vandalism' by prosecutors, and their conviction was based on joint responsibility for causing significant damage to a historic tree.
Their friendship deteriorated amid the police investigation, but the destruction of the Sycamore Gap tree sparked public outrage, highlighting its importance to the local community.
The iconic Sycamore Gap tree, a cherished site for hundreds of years, was not just famous for its beauty but also held emotional significance for many visitors.
The jury’s swift verdict came after a five-hour deliberation, indicating strong evidence of the defendants' guilt in causing extensive damage to the tree and Roman Wall.
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