The "Robin Hood Tree" Felling: The Senseless Act and Its Aftermath
Financial obligations at trial for the 'Robin Hood Tree': a defendant's monetary predicaments under scrutiny - Judgment handed down in the Robin Hood Tree Case: Defendants Found GUILTY
In a shocking turn of events, two individuals have been found guilty of felling the iconic "Robin Hood" tree in North England. The verdict came from Newcastle Crown Court, determining that the two— aged 32 and 39— jointly committed the crime on a chilly September night in 2023, causing approximately €730,000 worth of damage.
The historical tree, globally recognized as a symbol from the Hollywood blockbuster "Robin Hood - King of Thieves" featuring Kevin Costner, was reduced to a pile of wood, damaged not only the tree but also the famous Hadrian's Wall. The prosecution called the act a senseless vandalism.
The perpetrators were described as executing their crime professionally. As reported by the PA news agency, prosecutor Richard Wright commented from the courtroom, "Though the tree was over a century old, it took only minutes to render it irrevocably damaged." One of the culprits wielded the chainsaw, while the other chronicled the destruction.
A Snapshot Lost Forever
The incident sparked widespread outrage across the nation. The mountain ash (also known as sycamore tree), standing in a hollow— the memorably named Sycamore Gap— in Northumberland became a beloved landmark over the years. According to Wright, the tree had been "countless times" exhibited in photographs, films, and works of art.
Hadrian's Wall, built by the Romans in the second century AD for the purpose of protection against northern attacks and trade control, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Robin Hood
- Guilty Verdict
- Newcastle
- North England
- Crime
- Prosecution
- United Kingdom
- Kevin Costner
The Sycamore Gap tree, or the aptly named "Robin Hood tree," boasts a historical significance that extends beyond its 150-plus years. It gained cultural significance after starring in the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," contributing to its fame beyond its local borders. Moreover, it served as a significant tourist attraction, being one of the most popular photo spots and a symbol of the North East of England.
With its felling, the tree not only left a gaping hole in the landscape but also caused emotional anguish to the local community and beyond. The economic impact will likely affect local businesses dependent on tourism related to the landmark. The legal consequences of such destructive acts against historical cultural assets are now being felt by the two convicted culprits, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers. Despite the felling, the tree's resilience has shown promise, with shoots sprouting from its stump. Hopefully, over time, it will regrow to its former glory, as seeds from the tree are being used to grow saplings elsewhere in the country.
- The verdict in Newcastle Crown Court found both Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, aged 32 and 39 respectively, guilty of felling the well-known "Robin Hood" tree in North England.
- The iconic and historically significant "Robin Hood" tree was destroyed through a senseless act of vandalism in September 2023, causing extensive damage estimated at €730,000.
- The two convicted individuals, Graham and Carruthers, executed their crime in Northumberland, near Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- In the aftermath of the crime, the "Robin Hood" tree's attraction and its contribution to local tourism have been significantly affected, impacting businesses and sparking emotional anguish within the community.
