Two men accused of chopping down Sycamore Gap tree pictured for first time at court

Two men accused of chopping down the centuries-old Sycamore Gap tree have been pictured for the first time as they left court today (Wednesday, May 15). Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, attended Newcastle Magistrates' Court this afternoon to face charges of criminal damage worth more than £620,000.

They were seen leaving the court wearing balaclavas and sunglasses as they tried to avoid being captured by press photographers outside the building. The iconic 50ft tree, which featured in Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves, was destroyed last September, causing a national outcry.

They were charged last month after the tree was felled in what police described as "a deliberate act of vandalism". The much-photographed tree, which stood next to Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland for 200 years, was one of the most recognisable landmarks in the UK.

It featured in the music video for Bryan Adams' hit song "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" and was the backdrop for numerous marriage proposals and weddings. Northumbria Police made a number of arrests after the tree was felled overnight on September 27 to 28.

A teenager and a man in his 60s were later told they will face no further action. The tree was removed by crane after being de-limbed by tree surgeons as it was was too large to be moved in one piece.

Its stump will remain in place, as scientists say new shoots could be generated and possibly grow to a similar size after a 'very long' wait. Andrew Poad, the site’s general manager for the National Trust said at the time: "We’ve been amazed and inspired by the offers of help and good wishes we've received from here in Northumberland, around the UK, and even from overseas.

"It’s clear that this tree captured the imaginations of so many people who visited, and that it held a special – and often poignant – place in many people’s hearts.