**Sycamore Gap Tree Feller Breaks Silence on Infamous Act—Sentencing Underway**
One of the men convicted of toppling the beloved Sycamore Gap tree along Hadrian’s Wall has finally revealed his motivations, calling the act a moment of “drunken stupidity” which will burden him for life. The felling of this historic landmark, a sight cherished by locals and walkers from across the world, has drawn sharp condemnation and left a scar on the Northumberland landscape that stood intact for over a century.
Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32—once close friends—were found guilty in May of criminal damage not only to the sycamore but also to the adjacent section of Hadrian’s Wall, damaged when the tree crashed upon it. Both have been in custody since the conclusion of their trial and now await sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, overseen by Mrs Justice Lambert.
During the sentencing hearing, Carruthers, through his counsel Andrew Gurney, expressed regret and sought to explain his actions. Mr Gurney spoke of his client’s attempts to “cleanse his conscience”, noting that Carruthers’ only explanation is a deeply regretted instance of intoxicated recklessness. “He felled that tree and it is something he will regret for the rest of his life. There’s no better explanation than that,” Mr Gurney told the court. Carruthers, previously of good standing and a father, is said to be “haunted” by what he has done and intends to make amends in any way he can.
The public has been shocked and angered by the incident, with many questioning why such a pointlessly destructive act would be undertaken. The court heard that Carruthers “will forever be linked to this act” and must bear the consequences as a kind of personal penance. While character references were provided, the gravity of the offence has left his reputation in tatters.
Prosecutor Richard Wright KC addressed the court with a contrasting narrative, stating categorically that this was not a spontaneous incident, but one requiring meticulous forethought. “This was an expedition which required significant planning—taking a vehicle, specialist equipment, and a twenty-minute walk each way,” Mr Wright told the judge. The felling was described as “deliberate” and “professional”, undermining claims that it was solely the result of drunken impulse. The court also heard that the choice of night was intentional, based on weather conditions that would aid in the tree’s removal.
In their respective pre-sentence reports, both Graham and Carruthers have admitted participating in the episode, though they claim not to have anticipated the full scale of the damage until the act was done. The prosecution, however, maintained that these admissions were opportunistic and not credible given the evidence of careful preparation.
Heritage considerations were also raised, with Mr Wright highlighting not only the cultural loss but attempts by the defendants to evade accountability. He said the pair were aware of the ongoing investigation and arrests of innocent parties, including a child, whilst closely following developments.
The question of sentence length was raised by Mrs Justice Lambert, who referred to the sentencing guidelines with eighteen months as a starting point and the possibility for aggravating circumstances to extend that time. The Crown, though not specifying a term, confirmed there was ample scope for a more severe penalty.
Daniel Graham’s defence, led by Chris Knox, presented a picture of a man struggling with personal difficulties, including depression and recent threats against his home and business since the felling became public knowledge. Despite these hardships, the defence did not request a lesser sentence, instead stressing the burden Graham now carries and the challenge of rebuilding his life post-release.
As Northumberland and the wider public come to terms with the loss of one of England’s most iconic trees, the court seeks to address the appropriate consequences for the individuals involved—balancing justice, heritage, and the need for rehabilitation. The sentencing will mark the closing of one chapter, even as the absence of the Sycamore Gap tree remains a visible reminder of the enduring impact of senseless acts.