TWO men have been charged connection with the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree.
The Sycamore Gap tree, which featured in blockbuster Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves, was destroyed in September.
Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, have been charged with causing criminal damage to the tree and Hadrian’s Wall.
They are due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on May 15.
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney, the Senior Investigation Officer in the case, said: “There has been an ongoing investigation since the Sycamore Gap tree was cut down.
“As a result of those enquiries, two men have now been charged.
“We recognise the strength of feeling in the local community and further afield the felling has caused, however we would remind people to avoid speculation, including online, which could impact the ongoing case.”
The two men were originally arrested last October and have been on bail since that date.
The chopping down of the iconic tree left the nation heartbroken after the mysterious feller struck in the middle of the night.
Northumbria Police said at the time they believed the 300-year-old tree was felled in a deliberate act of vandalism.
The trunk of the landmark tree was removed on October 12 after it was first cut into large pieces.
It is being stored in an undisclosed location before its fate is decided.
The National Trust, who run the site, say a decision on the tree’s future is yet to be made, but a public consultation will take place soon.
Gary Fothergill, Specialist Prosecutor for CPS North East’s Complex Casework Unit, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Northumbria Police to charge Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers with causing criminal damage after the Sycamore Gap tree was cut down last September.
“They have also been charged with causing criminal damage to Hadrian’s Wall.
“We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendants are active and that they have a right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
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