Two men charged after world famous Sycamore Gap tree was felled

Two men have been charged after the world famous Sycamore Gap tree was felled.

Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, were charged with causing criminal damage to the famous Sycamore Gap tree and Hadrian’s Wall last September in Northumberland, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

There was absolute uproar last year when it was discovered the 200-year-old tree had been cut down.

The beloved Sycamore Gap stood in a dramatic dip on Hadrian's Wall and had become a landmark itself.

The recognisable tree had been looked after by both the Northumberland National Park and the National Trust before tragically meeting its end after two centuries.

It even featured in 1991's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

The iconic Sycamore Gap tree. (Michael White/Northumberland National Park/Facebook)

Northumberland National Park soon raised alarm bells that the Sycamore Gap had been deliberately destroyed as an investigation into the incident was launched.

And today (30 April), after previous arrests and plenty of outrage, Graham and Carruthers have been charged.

Gary Fothergill, specialist prosecutor for CPS North East’s Complex Casework Unit, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Northumbria Police to charge Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers with causing criminal damage after the Sycamore Gap tree was cut down last September.

“They have also been charged with causing criminal damage to Hadrian’s Wall and will appear at South East Northumberland Magistrates’ Court on 15 May 2024.”

When news of the tree being destroyed broke, author LJ Ross, who wrote a book called Sycamore Gap, described the incident as ‘terribly sad’.

The felled Sycamore Gap tree, on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. (PA)

She said: “Terribly sad to hear of the loss of this iconic, beautiful tree, which was the setting for my second book and a source of peace and inspiration to many.

“If this was an act of vandalism, I can only think that the person responsible is deeply unwell. It’s madness.”

The MP for Hexham, Guy Opperman, was also devastated that a piece of history had been destroyed. He said everyone was 'in shock' and called it an 'attack on one of the nation’s most famous trees'.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness wrote on X of the convictions: "The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree rocked our region. It was a crime felt by millions that loved that iconic spot. I still can’t walk that section of Hadrian’s Wall. I’m proud of @northumbriapol for the thorough investigation that has led to these charges being brought today."

Other X users called the convictions 'tremendous news'.