“We’re still devastated by it,” said Catherine Cape, who runs a small guest cabin nearby. “I can’t drive past it. … I just don’t like looking at the space there.”
Cape will be among those paying attention this week when prosecutors in Newcastle Crown Court begin presenting their case Monday against two men accused of toppling the famous Sycamore Gap tree and damaging the ancient wall.
Daniel Graham, 39, and Adam Carruthers, 32, have pleaded not guilty to two counts each of criminal damage. Prosecutors said the value of the tree exceeded 620,000 pounds ($826,000) and damage to the wall was assessed at 1,100 pounds ($1,466).
A criminal prosecution for cutting down a tree is rare and the potential for any prison time for such an offense — not to mention that the maximum penalty for criminal damage is 10 years behind bars — is possibly unprecedented, said attorney Sarah Dodd who specializes in tree law.
Is tree law related to bird law?
Tree law is a very serious business. Often resulting in huge penalties for those who violate it.
Yes, that’s one of its branches.
Bird law is simple and fair in comparison to tree law
Tree law in this country is not governed by reason!
“Oh dear, my neighbor’s badly neglected oak tree is now bisecting my house. Since it’s not raining, that’s my fault.”
If tree law in the UK is anything like tree law in the US, they could be looking at treble or quadruple damages for that. And if they’re criminally convicted, the civil suit will be a slam dunk.
These dumbasses may not be able to own anything nice for the rest of their lives.
Yet another irreplaceable natural landmark destroyed by idiot hooliganism. There is nothing the courts can do that will ever bring that tree back.
Edit: Apparently the tree sprouted from its stump.
They were grown ass men. Why the hell would they kill a living being like that? Trees talk to each other and they live well beyond our human years. The local area belongs more to the tree than any individual man—they’ll be here for centuries beyond us if they are lucky.
People don’t respect trees as much as they do animals and I do think that’s wrong. We should be very mindful of how we treat trees. I think we arrogantly underestimate plant life.
I’m sure some dwarves would call me a dirty elf for my feelings on this but chopping down trees like this for no reason is painful. I hope they get everything they deserve.
It’s sprouting BTW, it’s not dead 😄 though it will take a while for it to be more than a sprout, and it will never have its iconic shape again
Oh I see I see it’s the stump has sprouts and they will maybe grow? That’s fantastic news! I wish the tree well. It’s probably wondering what the f happened. Hadrian’s wall is a cool place to set down roots. I hope the tree is stubborn as hell and can start a new life.
- People are stupid.
- People are assholes.
- People will do anything for attention.
- All of the above.
