Two men, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, have been charged with criminal damage in connection with the destruction of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. The charges were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after the tree was felled last September.
Graham and Carruthers are also facing charges related to causing damage to Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near which the tree stood. They are scheduled to appear in court on May 15, 2024.
Gary Fothergill, Specialist Prosecutor for the CPS North East Complex Casework Unit, issued a statement emphasizing the defendants’ right to a fair trial. He also cautioned against online activity that could potentially jeopardize the legal proceedings.
The Sycamore Gap tree, famously featured in the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” was a beloved landmark for locals and tourists alike. Its destruction caused significant public outcry.