A second man accused of felling the world famous Sycamore Gap has told jurors he has "no clue" who did it. The tree had grown in a dip on Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland for more than 100 years before it wasfelled in a "moronic mission"in the early hours of 28 September 2023, Newcastle Crown Court has heard. Daniel Michael Graham, 39, from Carlisle, and Adam Carruthers, 32, from Wigton in Cumbria, each deny two counts of criminal damage relating to the tree and the Roman Wall. Mr Carruthers told jurors he was amazed at the public's reaction as he thought it was "just a tree". Jurors were previouslytold the tree was a much-loved landmarkand had global significance for its position on the former frontier of the Roman empire. Mr Graham's phone and Range Rover were both tracked going to and from the site while a video, which prosecutors allege show the moment the tree was felled, was filmed on his mobile, the court has heard. A wedge of wood was taken as a "trophy" and photographed hours later alongside a chainsaw in the boot of Mr Graham's car, prosecutors have said. Mr Grahampreviously told jurors he had been asleep that nightand Mr Carruthers must have taken his car and phone without his knowledge. On the sixth day of the trial, Mr Carruthers took to the witness box where he started by denying he had anything to do with felling the tree or filming it. His barrister Andrew Gurney asked why Mr Carruthers seemed so interested in the aftermath, exchanging screenshots of social media posts and press reports with his co-accused and swapping voice notes discussing it. Mr Carruthers said he just "couldn't understand" the hysteria he was seeing on Facebook and he wanted to talk about with his friend. "I didn't understand how a tree would be able to hit the headlines as much as it did," he said. "It was almost as if someone had been murdered." He was asked about a voice note in which he said an online commenter, who criticised the vandals, lacked the "minerals" to "launch an operation like we did". Mr Carruthers told jurors: "I think it's been interpreted wrong." He said he had actually meant to say "he" instead of "we," referring to whoever it was that had felled the tree although he had "no idea" who that might be. Mr Graham had also claimed Mr Carruthers was fascinated with the tree, treasured a piece of string he had used to measure its circumference and had "mentioned" cutting it down, then admitted he had done so in a call to Mr Graham the morning after and later asked his friend to "take the blame". Mr Carruthers told jurors none of that was true. He also told the court he had used a chainsaw to trim trees but never to fell one. In cross-examination, prosecutor Richard Wright KC asked Mr Carruthers who felled the tree. Mr Carruthers replied he had "no clue at all", adding: "It wasn't me." He said he thought it was "just a tree" but then, the morning after it was felled, started seeing news reports and public comments appearing "more and more" on social media. The prosecutor suggested that was what was at the "heart" of the case. "You thought 'it's just a tree'. "When the rest of the world didn't think it was just a tree, that it was a terrible and wicked thing to have done, you have lost your bottle and can't own up to it?" Mr Carruthers replied: "That's not true." He was asked about mobile phone tracking data which showed him travelling to a spot about four miles way from the tree the afternoon before it was felled. Mr Graham's legal team suggested he was "doing a reconnoitre" of the tree, but Mr Carruthers claimed he was taking his partner and their new-born daughter on an impromptu excursion to the Metrocentre for food, turning around when the baby would not settle. Mr Wright asked if there were not restaurants in Carlisle they could have visited rather than make a three-hour round trip on an afternoon when storms were forecast to hit the area. Mr Carruthers replied the restaurants in Carlisle were "not the best" and the Metrocentre would be better. The trial continues. Follow BBC North East onX,Facebook,NextdoorandInstagram. Send your story ideashere.
Sycamore Gap accused has 'no clue' who felled tree
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Trial Continues for Men Accused of Felling Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
During the ongoing trial regarding the felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, one of the accused, Adam Carruthers, testified that he has 'no clue' who was responsible for the act. The tree, which had stood for over a century along Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland, was cut down in what prosecutors described as a 'moronic mission' on September 28, 2023. Carruthers, along with co-defendant Daniel Michael Graham, both face charges of criminal damage related to the tree and the Roman Wall. Carruthers expressed his surprise at the public outcry, stating that he initially viewed the tree as 'just a tree.' The prosecution has presented evidence, including mobile phone data and a video allegedly showing the moment of the tree's destruction, which they claim links Graham to the incident. A piece of wood taken from the tree was reportedly photographed alongside a chainsaw in Graham's vehicle, further implicating him in the act.
As the trial progresses, Carruthers has denied any involvement in the felling of the tree or the recording of the act. He acknowledged that he had been exchanging messages about the incident with Graham, but insisted that his interest stemmed from confusion over the public's intense reaction rather than any guilt. During cross-examination, Carruthers maintained his innocence, asserting that he had no knowledge of who cut down the tree. Prosecutors have suggested that Carruthers' previous comments, which appeared to boast about the act, indicate a deeper involvement. Despite evidence suggesting he was in proximity to the tree prior to its felling, Carruthers claimed he was merely on a family outing. The trial continues as the jury deliberates the circumstances surrounding this act of vandalism that has captured significant public attention and outrage, reflecting a broader sentiment about the preservation of historical landmarks.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a legal case surrounding the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree, a globally recognized landmark in Northumberland. The trial revolves around the testimonies of two accused individuals, Daniel Michael Graham and Adam Carruthers, who deny involvement in this act deemed senseless by many. Their reactions to the public outcry and the evidence presented in court create a narrative that raises questions about accountability and societal values regarding cultural heritage.
Public Perception and Reaction
The defendants' comments reveal a disconnect between their views and that of the public. Carruthers expressed disbelief at the outpouring of grief over a tree, indicating a lack of appreciation for its cultural significance. This response may aim to downplay the seriousness of their actions and frame the public as overly emotional or irrational. This narrative could be an attempt to garner sympathy and create a more favorable perception of their characters amidst the trial's proceedings.
Manipulation and Hidden Agendas
There is a possibility that the article's framing serves to divert attention from broader societal issues, such as environmental preservation and respect for historical landmarks. By focusing on the trial's drama and the defendants' bewilderment, the article might obscure discussions about the importance of maintaining cultural heritage, which could warrant deeper scrutiny.
Reliability of the Information
The information presented in the article appears credible, as it is based on court proceedings and testimonies. However, the sensationalist tone in describing the defendants' reactions and the public outcry may lead to an exaggerated interpretation of events. This could be seen as an attempt to manipulate public sentiment and reinforce a narrative of outrage against vandalism.
Impact on Society and Potential Consequences
This case could influence public discourse on environmental and cultural preservation, potentially mobilizing communities to advocate for stronger protections for historical sites. The emotional response elicited by the felling of the tree might lead to increased activism around similar issues, shaping local policies and community engagement.
Target Audience
The article seems to resonate with audiences who value cultural heritage and environmental conservation. It may appeal to community members and activists who are passionate about preserving historical landmarks and could serve to unite them around a common cause.
Market and Economic Implications
While the news itself may not directly impact stock markets, it highlights societal values that can influence local economies, particularly those reliant on tourism and cultural heritage. The preservation of landmarks like Sycamore Gap could be vital for businesses in the area that benefit from tourism.
This incident does not appear to have broader geopolitical implications; however, it reflects societal attitudes towards heritage and environmental issues, which are increasingly relevant today. The article may not have been influenced by AI, but if it were, a model could have been used to analyze public sentiment and craft narratives that amplify emotional reactions.
In conclusion, while the article offers credible information regarding the trial, the framing and portrayal of the defendants could suggest an underlying agenda to shape public perception. The reliability of the details is supported by court proceedings, yet the emphasis on emotional responses and public outrage may indicate an effort to manipulate narratives around cultural significance.