Summary
Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers are on trial for allegedly cutting down the Sycamore Gap tree and damaging Hadrian’s Wall in September 2023, charges they deny, claiming they were at home that night. Prosecutor Richard Wright described the act as “mindless thuggery,” emphasizing the public outrage over the loss of the iconic tree, valued at £622,191. Defense attorneys argued that Graham named Carruthers to deflect blame, asserting that Carruthers was not present at the scene but at home with his partner and newborn baby.