Overview

• The prosecution described the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree as 'mindless thuggery,' suggesting the act was carried out for amusement and without regard for its cultural significance.
• Adam Carruthers and Daniel Graham, both denying involvement, are accused of cutting down the 150-year-old tree and damaging Hadrian’s Wall in September 2023.
• Key evidence includes phone tracking data placing Carruthers near the site hours before the incident and a video allegedly showing the tree’s felling found on Graham’s phone.
• Carruthers testified he was at home with his partner and newborn, dismissing the public outrage as excessive and stating he viewed the tree as 'just a tree.'
• The jury has been instructed to deliberate based solely on the evidence presented, with verdicts expected following the conclusion of closing arguments.