There is a hole in the heart of the rolling hills of northern England. A majestic sycamore tree that once sat symmetrically between two hills along Hadrian’s Wall was mysteriously felled in 2023.

“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).

    • GreyEyedGhost@lemmy.caEnglish
      1·
      2 hours ago

      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.