Channel 4 has announced the commission of a new two-part documentary series, “Slaying at Sycamore Gap” (working title), from Candour Productions. The series will explore the shocking felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland, which occurred on September 28, 2023.
The 200-year-old tree, famously featured in the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” stood along Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its destruction sparked global outrage and prompted a criminal investigation by Northumbria Police.
Award-winning director Anna Hall will helm the project, which has secured exclusive access to Northumbria Police. The series promises to offer viewers an in-depth look at the investigation, featuring never-before-seen assets, and interviews with witnesses, suspects, police officers, and case expertsThe series will explore the tree’s symbolic importance to the local community and examine the worldwide reaction to its destruction. The documentary also promises to investigate the potential motives behind the act.
The Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The investigation, led by SIO Rebecca Fenney and DS Calum Meikle, faced significant challenges, particularly due to the absence of CCTV footage and witnesses. Despite these difficulties, two men, Daniel Graham (38) and Adam Carruthers (31), have been charged with criminal damage. The men are accused of causing over £620,000 worth of damage to the tree and Hadrian’s Wall. Both suspects have pleaded not guilty, and their trial is set to begin in December 2024.
Channel 4’s Vision for the Documentary
Anna Miralis, Senior Commissioning Editor for Documentaries at Channel 4, shared her enthusiasm for the project. “This documentary is guaranteed to be both enlightening and utterly compelling. It is my hope it will offer up some understanding of what drove those to commit such a senseless crime,” Miralis said.
Director Anna Hall echoed this sentiment, highlighting the opportunity to tell a unique story. This is an incredible opportunity to tell the story of some very unusual police work and why we all cared so much about a Slaying at Sycamore Gap,” she added.
Expected Release
The documentary series will consist of three 60-minute episodes and is expected to air on Channel 4 shortly. An exact release date has not yet been announced.
As anticipation builds, viewers and local communities alike are eager to see how this poignant and tragic story will be portrayed on screen.
