The trial regarding the felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree is underway at Newcastle Crown Court, with significant public interest surrounding the case. This tree, which was over a century old and located at the edge of Hadrian's Wall in northern England, was cut down on the night of 27 September 2023. The incident has spurred international outrage, with many expressing disbelief over the deliberate act.
Prosecutors allege that Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were responsible for the tree's removal. It is claimed that one of the men utilised a chainsaw to fell the tree while the other filmed the act. This video, lasting two minutes and 41 seconds, was discovered a month later on Graham's phone after his arrest. The video contains the sounds of the chainsaw and the tree crashing to the ground, with the metadata indicating it was filmed at approximately 00:30 BST at the precise location of the Sycamore Gap tree. During police questioning, Graham declined to comment on how the video appeared on his phone.
Experts have indicated that the tree was felled using a "hinge-and-wedge" technique, which rendered it clear that the tree would fall towards the north, causing damage to the Roman wall valued at £1,144. Prosecutors presented a photograph taken shortly after the felling, showing a wedge of wood and a chainsaw in the back of Graham's vehicle—evidence that the wedge likely originated from the Sycamore Gap tree. However, neither the wedge nor the chainsaw has been recovered by police.
Further evidence presented includes data from cell site analysis tracking the movements of Graham's phone, which showed movement from Carlisle to Sycamore Gap prior to the felling, and then returning westward afterward. CCTV footage captured a pair of headlights approaching the nearby Twice Brewed Inn shortly before midnight, suggesting the pair were together around the time of the incident. Communications between Graham and Carruthers indicated they had been in regular contact before the alleged felling, with their exchanges stopping just before the incident.
Reactions to the event were immediate and fervent. Initial assumptions suggested the tree had succumbed to Storm Agnes, but it soon became clear that it had been cut down intentionally. Following the incident, both defendants reportedly exchanged messages discussing the flood of media coverage and public outrage. Graham commented, "It's gone viral, it is worldwide," while Carruthers remarked on the nature of public criticism they received.
In defence, Daniel Graham has claimed he was asleep at the time of the felling and asserted that Carruthers was responsible for the tree's removal. He further alleged that Carruthers had taken his vehicle and phone without his knowledge. Graham suggested that his friend had expressed a fascination with the tree and had previously mentioned wanting to fell it. This assertion was met with scepticism from the defence team representing Carruthers, who labelled Graham's claims as untruthful.
Both men are facing charges of criminal damage relating to the felling of the tree and the resultant damage to the ancient wall. The trial is ongoing, with more evidence and testimonies expected as the proceedings continue.
Source: Noah Wire Services