Second man released after cutting down historic Sycamore Gap tree

Daniel Graham, 41, has been released from prison after serving 16 months of a four-year-and-three-month sentence for the criminal damage of the Sycamore Gap tree, a landmark near Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland ^[1]. He was jailed in July last year alongside Adam Carruthers, who was released in April. Graham’s release comes after he served 40% of his sentence behind bars, with the remainder to be served on licence under strict conditions.

The Ministry of Justice described the felling of the tree as a 'disgraceful crime' and confirmed that any breach of licence terms could result in immediate return to prison ^[1]. The tree, which had stood for over a century in a fold of the Northumberland landscape, was destroyed in September 2023 during a stormy night when Graham and Carruthers travelled over 40 minutes from their homes in Cumbria ^[2].

They carried their tools across pitch-black moorland, cut down the tree in under three minutes, and took a wedge as a trophy—now unrecovered ^[2]. Mrs Justice Lambert concluded that Carruthers was the one who felled the tree, while Graham drove and filmed the act on his phone ^[1]. The tree was a cultural icon, featured in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and a site for weddings, ashes, and birthdays.

The pair were also convicted of damaging Hadrian’s Wall when the tree fell on the ancient monument ^[1]. Their trial described the act as a 'moronic mission' ^[2]. The incident sparked national and international outrage, with the media coverage becoming a point of pride for the two men.

Graham’s release has reignited debate over sentencing and public safety, particularly given the symbolic weight of the tree and the damage done to a protected historical site ^[1]. The story was first reported by Metro and The Independent.