Man convicted for felling Sycamore Gap tree released early under home detention curfew

Adam Carruthers, one of the two men convicted for chopping down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree in Northumberland, has been released early from prison under the Home Detention Curfew Scheme.

Carruthers was sentenced to four years and three months in July 2025 for criminal damage to the tree and Hadrian's Wall, but served only 40% of his sentence behind bars.

The Ministry of Justice confirmed that the decision to release Carruthers was made by the governor of the prison after a risk assessment.

Under the scheme, Carruthers must comply with strict licence conditions and wear an electronic tag.

Breaching these conditions could result in his return to prison.

The Sycamore Gap tree, which stood for over 100 years in a distinctive dip beside Hadrian's Wall, was felled in September 2023.

The damage also extended to the historic wall when the tree fell.

Both Carruthers and Daniel Graham, who was also sentenced, were found guilty of criminal damage.

The case attracted national and international attention due to the tree's iconic status and the deliberate nature of the vandalism.

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