Suspect in Sycamore Gap case allegedly attempted to shift blame by making an anonymous call to the police, implicating a friend as the one who used a chainsaw to fell the tree.
Sneaky Snitch or Desperate Criminal?
In the dramatic unfolding of a bizarre turn of events, two men, Dan Daniel Graham ( aged 39) and Adam Carruthers (32), find themselves standing trial at Newcastle Crown Court. They're accused of chopping down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, a charge they both deny[1][2].
The twisted switch came last year when Daniel, in a secret call to the police, accused Adam of possessing part of the tree trunk, chainsaws, and even firearms[3]. Speaking anonymously to a call handler, Daniel claimed that Adam was keeping the seized saws at his mother's home in Wigton and went on to share more details[4].
But here's the catch, Daniel was so eager to pin the blame on Adam that he reached out to the police himself, months before their arrest[3]. The recording of this call was played out in court by Adam's legal team[4]. To the call-handler, the anonymous informant revealed cryptic information, such as the location of the saws and additional saws being held by another man[4].
Yet, the trial's plot thickens as the jury learned that the police looked into the mentioned third party but were satisfied that he had no involvement[5]. Meanwhile, the missing part of the tree trunk and the chainsaw remain undiscovered, adding to the intrigue surrounding the case[5].
The prosecution's case has now wrapped up, with Daniel expected to testify in his defense[6]. But with the trial still in progress and the much-sought evidence yet to be found, curiosity continues to swirl around the fate of these two defendants and the legendary Sycamore Gap tree.
Amidst the limelight, the case stirs public interest due to its rarity in prosecuting tree felling and the historical, scenic value of the Sycamore Gap tree[1][2].
Additional Insights:1. The Sycamore Gap tree was famously depicted in the film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves."2. Groundworker Daniel Graham and mechanic Adam Carruthers have pleaded not guilty to the charges.3. At the trial, Adam Carruthers stated he had no experience cutting down trees but would help if instructed[1].4. The prosecution claims the missing tree wedge and chainsaw were used in the crime[5].5. Despite an extensive search, the chainsaw and missing tree wedge have not been found[5].6. The rareness of criminal prosecutions for tree felling and the Sycamore Gap tree's historical significance have contributed to the trial's public interest[1][2].
- In the trial, Adam Carruthers' legal team played a recording of the call given secretly by another man, Dan Daniel Graham, to the police operator, alleging that Carruthers had the tree trunk, chainsaws, and firearms at his mother's house in Wigton.
- Prior to their arrest, Daniel Graham had reached out to the police himself, months before, giving cryptic information about the location of the saws and another man alleged to have them.
- However, the police investigation found no involvement of the third party mentioned by Graham, leaving a question mark over his motives in involving the police.
- Despite the prosecution's case wrapping up and expectations of Daniel Graham testifying in his defense, the trial continues with the missing part of the tree trunk and the chainsaw still undiscovered, adding to the suspense surrounding the case and the fate of the two defendants.
