Newcastle, England — Two men at the center of a controversial tree felling incident have been the focus of a recent trial, revealing the complexities of their friendship and the events leading up to the destruction of a historic landmark. Prosecutors indicated that Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers were good friends and often collaborated on tasks, including cutting down trees, prior to the scandal that unfolded after the infamous Sycamore Gap incident.
Prior to their involvement in the tree felling, both men had minimized their experience with chainsaws. Carruthers’ defense counsel informed the jury that he had misrepresented his capabilities, fearing the repercussions of admitting his familiarity with the equipment. This apprehension became significant as the public outrage over the incident became increasingly apparent.
Evidence presented in court included a video filmed by Graham on August 17, just weeks before the Sycamore Gap event, showcasing Carruthers operating a chainsaw. Their friendship had deepened in 2021 when Carruthers repaired a Land Rover belonging to Graham’s father, a gesture that proved crucial in preparing the vehicle for the father’s funeral following his tragic death.
However, the bond between the two markedly soured following the tree felling. As the public’s indignation surfaced, the men found themselves at odds. Carruthers claimed ignorance regarding the identity of the individual responsible for the tree’s demise, while Graham pointed the finger at Carruthers. He accused his former friend of having a preoccupation with the tree and of discussing plans to cut it down even before the incident.
In his testimony, Graham insisted he had only heard of the tree after Carruthers mentioned it in 2021. Interestingly, he later acknowledged having reported a stolen vehicle near the tree’s location the previous December, contradicting his earlier claims of unfamiliarity with the site. He had seen the landmark in the movie “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” but did not recognize its significance or location.
As the investigation progressed, Graham’s statements shifted from initial reluctance to implicate Carruthers to later presenting evidence against him. Photographic evidence of Carruthers with chainsaws was shown to the police, and Graham later made an anonymous tip suggesting Carruthers possessed a piece of wood from the tree and the chainsaw that was used. However, searches conducted by law enforcement yielded no trace of the items he claimed.
Graham also testified that Carruthers had urged him to accept responsibility for the felling, believing that the police would be sympathetic due to his mental health challenges. Carruthers has firmly refuted this assertion, further complicating the narrative surrounding this case.
As the trial continues, the intertwining of friendship, betrayal, and legal ramifications paints a vivid picture of how two individuals found themselves embroiled in a public scandal that has drawn widespread attention and outrage.
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