Men who felled ‘iconic' Sycamore Gap tree sentenced
Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, were found guilty of criminal damage after they caused the Sycamore Gap tree to fall onto Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland in September 2023.
The pair used a chainsaw to hack down the 100-year-old tree which crashed into and damaged Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO world heritage site.
On Tuesday both Graham and Carruthers were sentenced to prison for four years and three months. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers initially denied involvement in the Sycamore Gap tree's felling. Credit: AAP
During the sentencing, Justice Christina Lambert said that the motive of the two men was not clear, but she believed the outrage following the crime gave them 'some sort of thrill,' the BBC reported.
Justice Lambert said the tree was a landmark and a 'symbol of the untamed beauty' of the surrounding landscape.
In a victim impact statement read to the court, National Trust manager Andrew Poad said the 'iconic tree can never be replaced'.
Mr Poad said the vandalism was 'beyond comprehension' and that the destruction led to an 'overwhelming sense of loss and confusion felt across the world'. The tree sat in a saddle between two hills. Credit: Ian Forsyth / Getty Images
The tree sat in a saddle between two hills and became an iconic location after being featured in Kevin Costner's 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
It was a well loved spot and was often the site of marriage proposals.
Scientifically known as Ace pseudoplatanus, the tree is native to central Europe, Italy and western Asia.
It is likely the tree was introduced to the UK by the Romans.
Hadrian's Wall was built by Emperor Hadrian and it stretches about 117km through the north of England from the banks of the River Tyne to Solway Firth.
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The Advertiser
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Mr Bilic - a popular community member who worked as a junior soccer coach - was found dead in his yard by the neighbour about 7.30pm on Monday. Floral tributes have been laid outside the home. Annabelle Brett had recently moved to the Sunshine Coast community from north Queensland and said the incident had left everyone in shock. "I didn't think that this happened in places like the Sunshine Coast in general, let alone a suburb like Warana," she told AAP. "It is very family friendly, quiet and coastal. There's a lot of people that have retired and moved here for a more calm, quiet and safe life." Ms Tomte on Thursday led tributes for her husband, who was described as "the whole street's favourite person". She said Mr Bilic had also been a "super hero" to the kids he worked with as a junior soccer coach at Sunshine Coast childcare centres. "He was loved by more people that I can put into words," she said in a statement released via Queensland Police. "If you've had the privilege of being in Zed's presence, you'll know that he was literal sunshine. "And the world is a little less bright without him in it." Ms Tomte had earlier expressed her grief over losing "the most beautiful man" on social media, posting: "My world for 28 years ...he was my everything". Police said Mr Bilic was clearly a beloved community member, with locals offering "as much help as they can" to their investigation. "They visit each other's houses, they have Christmas street parties," Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said on Thursday. "They really are shocked but really want to help." Queensland Premier David Crisafulli passed on his condolences, saying no family should have to experience such pain. His Liberal National government ushered in tough youth justice laws after winning the 2024 election, ensuring juveniles face adult sentences for more than 30 offences. The 17-year-old was arrested as he got off a bus that had arrived in Toowoomba from Brisbane. Detectives allege they have located the murder weapon, sending it for forensic testing. The boys have also been charged with a number of break and enter offences, police said. One of the teenagers is under his grandmother's guardianship with both his parents in jail, the Maroochydore Childrens Court was told. The other teen has been under the long-term guardianship of Department of Child Safety. They have been remanded in custody for a Maroochydore committal mention on September 10. A tight-knit community is in shock after two teenagers were charged with the murder of a beloved husband during an alleged bungled break-in attempt. Zdravko Bilic, 57, was found dead with stab wounds at his beachside home at Queensland's Sunshine Coast by a neighbour. Two boys - aged 15 and 17 - have been charged with murder, with their matters appearing in a Maroochydore court on Thursday. If convicted, they will serve mandatory life sentences under the Queensland government's controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws. Mr Bilic's death has shattered the quiet suburb of Warana which has rallied around his wife, multimillion-dollar skincare business founder Gry Tomte. Police on Thursday said Mr Bilic was stabbed twice in an altercation with the two boys after they allegedly entered the beachside home about 11.30pm on Sunday. Ms Tomte was not home at the time and had asked a neighbour to check on her husband after she had not heard from him. Mr Bilic - a popular community member who worked as a junior soccer coach - was found dead in his yard by the neighbour about 7.30pm on Monday. Floral tributes have been laid outside the home. Annabelle Brett had recently moved to the Sunshine Coast community from north Queensland and said the incident had left everyone in shock. "I didn't think that this happened in places like the Sunshine Coast in general, let alone a suburb like Warana," she told AAP. "It is very family friendly, quiet and coastal. There's a lot of people that have retired and moved here for a more calm, quiet and safe life." Ms Tomte on Thursday led tributes for her husband, who was described as "the whole street's favourite person". She said Mr Bilic had also been a "super hero" to the kids he worked with as a junior soccer coach at Sunshine Coast childcare centres. "He was loved by more people that I can put into words," she said in a statement released via Queensland Police. "If you've had the privilege of being in Zed's presence, you'll know that he was literal sunshine. "And the world is a little less bright without him in it." Ms Tomte had earlier expressed her grief over losing "the most beautiful man" on social media, posting: "My world for 28 years ...he was my everything". Police said Mr Bilic was clearly a beloved community member, with locals offering "as much help as they can" to their investigation. "They visit each other's houses, they have Christmas street parties," Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said on Thursday. "They really are shocked but really want to help." Queensland Premier David Crisafulli passed on his condolences, saying no family should have to experience such pain. His Liberal National government ushered in tough youth justice laws after winning the 2024 election, ensuring juveniles face adult sentences for more than 30 offences. The 17-year-old was arrested as he got off a bus that had arrived in Toowoomba from Brisbane. Detectives allege they have located the murder weapon, sending it for forensic testing. The boys have also been charged with a number of break and enter offences, police said. One of the teenagers is under his grandmother's guardianship with both his parents in jail, the Maroochydore Childrens Court was told. The other teen has been under the long-term guardianship of Department of Child Safety. They have been remanded in custody for a Maroochydore committal mention on September 10. A tight-knit community is in shock after two teenagers were charged with the murder of a beloved husband during an alleged bungled break-in attempt. Zdravko Bilic, 57, was found dead with stab wounds at his beachside home at Queensland's Sunshine Coast by a neighbour. Two boys - aged 15 and 17 - have been charged with murder, with their matters appearing in a Maroochydore court on Thursday. If convicted, they will serve mandatory life sentences under the Queensland government's controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws. Mr Bilic's death has shattered the quiet suburb of Warana which has rallied around his wife, multimillion-dollar skincare business founder Gry Tomte. Police on Thursday said Mr Bilic was stabbed twice in an altercation with the two boys after they allegedly entered the beachside home about 11.30pm on Sunday. Ms Tomte was not home at the time and had asked a neighbour to check on her husband after she had not heard from him. Mr Bilic - a popular community member who worked as a junior soccer coach - was found dead in his yard by the neighbour about 7.30pm on Monday. Floral tributes have been laid outside the home. Annabelle Brett had recently moved to the Sunshine Coast community from north Queensland and said the incident had left everyone in shock. "I didn't think that this happened in places like the Sunshine Coast in general, let alone a suburb like Warana," she told AAP. "It is very family friendly, quiet and coastal. There's a lot of people that have retired and moved here for a more calm, quiet and safe life." Ms Tomte on Thursday led tributes for her husband, who was described as "the whole street's favourite person". She said Mr Bilic had also been a "super hero" to the kids he worked with as a junior soccer coach at Sunshine Coast childcare centres. "He was loved by more people that I can put into words," she said in a statement released via Queensland Police. "If you've had the privilege of being in Zed's presence, you'll know that he was literal sunshine. "And the world is a little less bright without him in it." Ms Tomte had earlier expressed her grief over losing "the most beautiful man" on social media, posting: "My world for 28 years ...he was my everything". Police said Mr Bilic was clearly a beloved community member, with locals offering "as much help as they can" to their investigation. "They visit each other's houses, they have Christmas street parties," Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said on Thursday. "They really are shocked but really want to help." Queensland Premier David Crisafulli passed on his condolences, saying no family should have to experience such pain. His Liberal National government ushered in tough youth justice laws after winning the 2024 election, ensuring juveniles face adult sentences for more than 30 offences. The 17-year-old was arrested as he got off a bus that had arrived in Toowoomba from Brisbane. Detectives allege they have located the murder weapon, sending it for forensic testing. The boys have also been charged with a number of break and enter offences, police said. One of the teenagers is under his grandmother's guardianship with both his parents in jail, the Maroochydore Childrens Court was told. The other teen has been under the long-term guardianship of Department of Child Safety. They have been remanded in custody for a Maroochydore committal mention on September 10. A tight-knit community is in shock after two teenagers were charged with the murder of a beloved husband during an alleged bungled break-in attempt. Zdravko Bilic, 57, was found dead with stab wounds at his beachside home at Queensland's Sunshine Coast by a neighbour. Two boys - aged 15 and 17 - have been charged with murder, with their matters appearing in a Maroochydore court on Thursday. If convicted, they will serve mandatory life sentences under the Queensland government's controversial "adult crime, adult time" laws. Mr Bilic's death has shattered the quiet suburb of Warana which has rallied around his wife, multimillion-dollar skincare business founder Gry Tomte. Police on Thursday said Mr Bilic was stabbed twice in an altercation with the two boys after they allegedly entered the beachside home about 11.30pm on Sunday. Ms Tomte was not home at the time and had asked a neighbour to check on her husband after she had not heard from him. Mr Bilic - a popular community member who worked as a junior soccer coach - was found dead in his yard by the neighbour about 7.30pm on Monday. Floral tributes have been laid outside the home. Annabelle Brett had recently moved to the Sunshine Coast community from north Queensland and said the incident had left everyone in shock. "I didn't think that this happened in places like the Sunshine Coast in general, let alone a suburb like Warana," she told AAP. "It is very family friendly, quiet and coastal. There's a lot of people that have retired and moved here for a more calm, quiet and safe life." Ms Tomte on Thursday led tributes for her husband, who was described as "the whole street's favourite person". She said Mr Bilic had also been a "super hero" to the kids he worked with as a junior soccer coach at Sunshine Coast childcare centres. "He was loved by more people that I can put into words," she said in a statement released via Queensland Police. "If you've had the privilege of being in Zed's presence, you'll know that he was literal sunshine. "And the world is a little less bright without him in it." Ms Tomte had earlier expressed her grief over losing "the most beautiful man" on social media, posting: "My world for 28 years ...he was my everything". Police said Mr Bilic was clearly a beloved community member, with locals offering "as much help as they can" to their investigation. "They visit each other's houses, they have Christmas street parties," Detective Inspector Chris Toohey said on Thursday. "They really are shocked but really want to help." Queensland Premier David Crisafulli passed on his condolences, saying no family should have to experience such pain. His Liberal National government ushered in tough youth justice laws after winning the 2024 election, ensuring juveniles face adult sentences for more than 30 offences. The 17-year-old was arrested as he got off a bus that had arrived in Toowoomba from Brisbane. Detectives allege they have located the murder weapon, sending it for forensic testing. 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Commonwealth Bank executive Christopher James McCann found dead in Springbrook National Park
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SBS Australia
19 hours ago
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Men jailed for felling UK's iconic Sycamore Gap tree
On a dark and stormy night in September 2023, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers set out with a chainsaw to bring down a tree in the British county of Northumberland. But it wasn't just any tree - it was the Sycamore Gap tree, which stood at the centre of a dramatic dip in the landscape alongside the historic World Heritage Listed Hadrian's Wall in northern England, and estimated to be around 200 years old. The sycamore even featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. "Azeem, the great wood. I am home." Both men were each convicted of two counts of criminal damage in May. The pair have now been jailed by Judge Christina Lambert for what prosecutors called their act of "mindless destruction". "Mr Daniel Graham, Mr Adam Carruthers, I pass the same sentence in respect of you. The sentence is on count one, four years and three months imprisonment." Both denied any involvement in the felling of the tree at first but evidence to the court placed both of them at the scene - which included footage on Graham's mobile phone of a tree being chainsawed in the dead of night. The court also heard the pair had bragged about what they'd done. Neither man has explained why they did it, though Carruthers' lawyer Andrew Gurney described it as "drunken stupidity". The Judge didn't accept that, ruling that it was clearly deliberate and premeditated over a tree that was beloved in the community and known across the world. "For those who live in Northumberland or who love this county, the tree had become a landmark, a symbol of the beauty of its untamed landscape, featuring prominently in local art and local tourism. For others, the tree had become a place, a special personal significance where marriages were proposed and personal tributes to loved ones were left. It was, as Mr Poad (NATIONAL TRUST MANAGER ANDREW POAD WHO GAVE EVIDENCE) observes, a place of peace and tranquillity to which people returned year after year." The Sycamore Gap tree's destruction was met with fury and dismay across the UK, as these residents told the BBC. WOMAN: "Very sad. It makes you wonder why this has happened." MAN: "It was anger initially. When I found out that it was actually malicious - like a malicious act that caused it - now it's just sad." Reaction to the sentence has been mixed. Some say the prison sentence should have been even harsher. MAN: "Terrible to be honest. Yeah, yeah. Terrible. Should have got a lot more..." WOMAN: "The sentence reflects public disgust and anger." Others believe the punishment should have been tailored to fit the crime. "I'm not sure putting them in prison is the right thing to do. I just think community service, just spending a long, long time planting trees, particularly in weather like this..." Meanwhile, work to save what's left of the iconic tree goes on. Last week, the Northumberland National Park said the largest part of the tree would go on display in an installation located not far from where it once stood. And the National Trust, a heritage conservation charity which looks after the site, has collected twigs and seeds from around the base, in the hopes of promoting regrowth. It said last August there were signs of life at the base, giving hope it might live on.
