UPDATE: A groundbreaking discovery has emerged in the investigation of the infamous felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland. Just moments after being arrested, Daniel Graham told detectives, “there won’t be anything on my phone,” but he was caught off guard when they uncovered a damning video that implicated him and Adam Carruthers in the crime.
Authorities confirmed that the shocking footage, found on Graham’s phone, shows the beloved tree being cut down under the cover of darkness on September 28, 2023. Detective Constable Kim Read described the moment she discovered the video as a “lightbulb moment” for the investigation, dramatically shifting the course of the case.
Graham, who claimed he had “nothing to hide,” willingly provided police with the password to his device while detained at Wallsend Police Station. Within minutes, Det Cons Read located the incriminating video still stored in his camera roll. The evidence included a timestamp of 00:32 and a chilling audio of a chainsaw followed by the sound of cracking wood.
Initially, Det Cons Read was cautious, considering that both suspects were tree surgeons and might have been working elsewhere. However, upon examining the metadata, it became clear that the video was filmed at the Sycamore Gap location. Further evidence included a photograph of wood found in Graham’s yard, taken the following day, raising suspicions about its origin.
Despite the mounting evidence, both Graham and Carruthers initially denied involvement. Graham claimed he couldn’t remember the events of that night and pointed fingers elsewhere, while Carruthers stated he had never cut down a tree and did not own a chainsaw. However, during subsequent interviews, Graham began to shift the narrative, admitting Carruthers worked for him but still deflected blame.
As the legal proceedings unfolded, neither suspect openly confessed to their crimes before the May 2024 court date, but the investigation team felt confident about securing a guilty verdict. After a lengthy legal process, both were sentenced to four years and three months in prison following their convictions.
Det Cons Read expressed her desire for justice, stating, “All we wanted, from the police point of view, was a guilty verdict for all the hard work we had done.” The case captivated the public, with interest soaring among the media and the community alike.
As the Sycamore Gap Mystery documentary is set to air tonight on Channel 4 at 9 PM, Det Cons Read hopes it will shed light on the investigation and the community’s sentiments surrounding the beloved tree’s demise. “Everyone’s excited; I have only just got back from Australia and I’ve seen my face on the TV!” she noted.
This incident not only highlights the importance of preserving natural landmarks but also illustrates the lengths to which law enforcement will go to bring justice for community treasures. The public remains eager to see the full story unfold in the upcoming documentary, which promises to deliver a comprehensive account of this shocking crime.
Stay tuned for further developments as this story continues to resonate across the globe.
