Trial Opens for Men Accused of Felling Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree
The trial for Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, accused of illegally cutting down the Sycamore Gap tree near Hadrian’s Wall, began on Tuesday in Newcastle Crown Court. Both men have pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal destruction, with the incident occurring in September 2023, leading to significant public outcry. The National Trust plans to distribute 49 saplings next year to honor the tree, which was nearly 200 years old and a cherished landmark, with recent sprouts indicating a potential for new life.
