Two men accused of cutting down Sycamore Gap tree pictured for first time in court

Two men accused of cutting down the centuries-old Sycamore Gap tree were pictured for the first time as they left court today (Wednesday, May 15). Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court this afternoon to face charges of criminal damage worth more than £620,000 of pounds sterling.

They were seen leaving the courtyard wearing balaclavas and sunglasses as they tried to avoid being caught by press photographers outside the building. The iconic 50ft tree, which featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, was destroyed last September, sparking a national outcry.

They were charged last month after the tree was felled in what police described as “an act of deliberate vandalism”. The much-photographed tree, which stood by Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for 200 years, was one of Britain’s most recognizable landmarks.

It appeared in the video for Bryan Adams’ hit song “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” and was the backdrop for numerous marriage proposals and weddings. Northumbria Police made a number of arrests after the tree was felled overnight between September 27 and 28.

Later, a teenager and a man in his 60s were told they would have no further action. The tree was removed by crane after being dismantled by tree surgeons as it was too large to be moved in one piece.

Its stump will remain in place as scientists say new shoots could be generated and possibly grow to a similar size after a “very long” wait. Andrew Poad, site managing director for the National Trust, said at the time: “We have been amazed and inspired by the offers of help and well wishes we have received from here in Northumberland, across the UK and even from abroad.

“It is clear that this tree has captured the imagination of so many people who have visited and that it has held a special – and often poignant – place in many people’s hearts.