In a dramatic courtroom appearance, Adam Carruthers, 31, of Wigton, Cumbria, vehemently denied causing over £620,000 worth of damage to the iconic Sycamore Gap tree. The much-photographed Northumberland landmark fell victim to an alleged act of vandalism on the night of September 28, 2023.
The Sycamore Gap tree, famously featured in the film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” has long been a symbol of natural beauty and historical significance. Its sudden demise shocked the nation and sparked outrage among conservationists and locals alike.
Carruthers, flanked by his legal team, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court on June 12 to contest the charges. His denial extended to the additional accusation of causing £1,144 in damage to Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which suffered collateral harm during the tree’s fall.
Co-accused Daniel Graham, 38, of Carlisle, was conspicuously absent from the proceedings. His barrister, Christopher Knox, cited unavoidable detention as the reason for Graham’s non-appearance. Graham had previously entered a similar plea of not guilty during a magistrates’ court hearing last month.
Both the Sycamore Gap tree and Hadrian’s Wall are under the stewardship of the National Trust, adding further weight to the charges. Judge Paul Sloan KC set a trial date of December 3, granting Carruthers conditional bail until then. A case management hearing is scheduled for August 27.
