Two men filmed felling of Sycamore Gap tree during ‘mindless’ act, court hears

Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, two Cumbrians, were found guilty of damaging an ancient 100-year-old Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Their "mindless" act turned the historical landmark into a viral photo subject while causing significant damage to both the tree and the wall. The men claimed they were simply acting out due to their expertise and determination, which the prosecuting attorney highlighted as "entertaining." They denied all charges, with messages exchanged suggesting approval of their actions, though exoneration is yet to come.