Two men are charged over the destruction of the historic Sycamore Gap tree ... trends now
Two men have this afternoon been charged over the destruction of the historic Sycamore Gap tree.
Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers have today been charged with criminal damage after cutting down the iconic tree in September last year.
They have also been charged with causing criminal damage to Hadrian's Wall, which lies directly next to the tree, and will appear at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on May 15.
The Sycamore Gap tree, located in Northumberland, is one of the UK's most photographed trees and featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman.
It was found chopped down last September, with its upper section lying across the historic Roman barrier.
The iconic tree, which is believed to be 300 years old, was this morning found cut down
Walkers stop to look at the tree next to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberlandafter it was cut down in September last year
Northumbria Police officers arrive at the scene of the Sycamore Gap tree to investigate
Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North East's Complex Casework Unit Gary Fothergill announced: 'The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Northumbria Police to charge Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers with causing criminal damage after the Sycamore Gap tree was cut down last September.
'They have also been charged with causing criminal damage to Hadrian's Wall and will appear at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on 15 May 2024.
'We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendants are active and that they have a right to a fair trial.
'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.'
Last September, walkers first noticed how part of the iconic tree appeared to have been marked with white paint, indicating someone may have felled it with a chainsaw.
Alison Hawkins, who lives in Liverpool, was one of the first people on the scene posting a picture on Facebook with the caption: 'An awful moment for all walking Hadrian's Wall. The Sycamore Gap tree has gone! Not the storm an absolute ******* felled it!!'
Ms Hawkins, who was on her fourth day of walking Hadrian's Wall, said she was 'tearful' when she discovered the tree had been cut down.
She said: 'At
