Second Sycamore Gap vandal freed after serving 16 months

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 19:56 · Archive

Daniel Graham, who filmed the felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland, has been released on licence after 16 months in prison.

Daniel Graham, 41, has been released on licence after serving 16 months of his four-year-three-month sentence for his role in felling the Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland in September 2023. Graham filmed Adam Carruthers, 34, as Carruthers used a chainsaw to fell the iconic tree, which had stood beside Hadrian's Wall for more than a century. The tree had appeared in the Hollywood film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and attracted visitors from around the world. It took the pair less than three minutes to destroy it.

Both men were convicted of criminal damage to the tree and to Hadrian's Wall, which was struck by the falling sycamore. Carruthers was released earlier after serving 10 months. The Mirror reports that Graham was kept inside longer than Carruthers due to concerns for his well-being; he is estranged from his family and does not have close friends. He had previously lived in Grinsdale Bridge near Carlisle but was served an eviction order two years before his imprisonment.

Graham's release will be monitored by the probation service, and he is subject to strict conditions under the licence scheme. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'The felling of the Sycamore Gap tree was a disgraceful crime. Offenders released on licence are subject to strict conditions and can be returned to prison immediately if they breach them.'

How it is being reported

• Second man who chopped down the Sycamore Gap tree walks free from prisonDaniel Graham, 41, has been released on licence after being sentenced to four years and three months for his role in destroying one of Britain's most beloved landmarks.Daily Mail · 12 Oct, 19:35
• Second Sycamore Gap yob freed after serving less than half his sentenceEXCLUSIVE: Daniel Graham, 41, who filmed Adam Carruthers as he took a chainsaw to the tree in Northumberland in September, 2023, has been freed after serving 16 months plus time on remand.The Mirror · 12 Oct, 13:28

In this story: Daniel Graham · Adam Carruthers · Sycamore Gap · Northumberland · Hadrian's Wall · Ministry of Justice

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