AssetID: 54921984
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Vandals Sentenced to Over 4 Years for Felling Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree
Caption: Vandals Sentenced to Over 4 Years for Felling Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree. Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were sentenced to over four years in prison for cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree and damaging Hadrian’s Wall. The act was described as a “moronic mission” by the prosecutor, who stated the tree was felled for “sheer bravado.” Both were convicted of two counts of criminal damage — one for destroying the tree, the other for damaging the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall. The Sycamore Gap tree, famous for its appearance in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” had been an integral part of England’s natural and cultural heritage. The felling of the tree caused widespread anger and sadness, especially as the tree had become a beloved symbol for many and was voted “Tree of the Year” in 2016. Justice Christina Lambert noted that the act was premeditated, with both men taking pleasure in the publicity surrounding their crime. Although the pair denied involvement at trial, digital evidence—including a video found on Graham’s phone—exposed their role in the crime. While Graham filmed the act, Carruthers wielded the chainsaw to cut down the tree, according to the evidence. Both men now face years in prison as a consequence of their "drunken stupidity," a crime that cannot be undone. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Sycamore Gap tree,vandals,prison sentence,Daniel Graham,Adam Carruthers,Hadrian’s Wall,UNESCO,heritage,crime,Robin Hood,tree felling,punishment
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