UPDATE: Authorities have uncovered a shocking video that led to the conviction of Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers for the illegal felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland. Just moments after Graham insisted to police, “there won’t be anything on my phone,” detectives discovered crucial evidence that would seal their fate.
As detectives investigated the case, they were handed Graham’s smartphone along with his PIN. Despite his claims of innocence, Det Cons Kim Read quickly found a video in his camera roll showing the beloved tree being cut down in the dead of night on September 28, 2023. The video not only showcased the act but also provided undeniable proof of their involvement, which had been a significant breakthrough for the investigation.
Det Cons Read described the moment as a “lightbulb moment.” She noted, “When people are willing to give their phones and their PINs over, you’re not expecting to find much on them.” However, the striking thumbnail of a video timestamped at 00:32 turned out to be pivotal. Upon reviewing it, the sounds of a chainsaw and a cracking tree filled the room, confirming their worst fears.
Investigators initially faced challenges in getting admissions from Graham, who maintained he was innocent and had no recollection of the events that night. His accomplice, Carruthers, similarly denied involvement in his first interview, claiming he had never cut down a tree. But as the investigation progressed, Graham began to shift his narrative, admitting Carruthers worked for him without outright naming him as the perpetrator.
The evidence continued to pile up, including a photo of a piece of wood in Graham’s yard next to a chainsaw, dated the day after the felling. This led detectives to conclude that it was no mere coincidence. By the time the case reached court in May 2024, neither Graham nor Carruthers had confessed to police, yet the investigation team was confident in their case.
After a prolonged legal battle, both men were sentenced to four years and three months in prison, marking a significant victory for law enforcement and the community who rallied behind the protection of their cherished landmark. Det Cons Read expressed, “All we wanted, from the police point of view, was a guilty verdict for all the hard work we had done.”
The public’s interest in the case has been overwhelming, significantly more than any other case Det Cons Read has handled in her career. As she prepares for the airing of the documentary “Sycamore Gap Mystery” on Channel 4 at 9 PM tonight, she hopes it will shed light on the case and the community’s sentiments surrounding it.
The investigation serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting natural landmarks and the lengths to which authorities will go to uphold justice. As this story unfolds, the emotional investment from the community remains palpable, eager for closure and justice for the fallen tree that held so much significance.
