• Two men found guilty for felling the Sycamore Gap tree in 2023.
• The act has been termed as a "moronic mission" by prosecutors.
• The tree, approximately 200 years old, was a cherished landmark.
• Sentencing is scheduled for July 15, with potential jail time of up to 10 years.

Two men, Daniel Graham (39) and Adam Carruthers (32), were found guilty of cutting down Britain’s beloved Sycamore Gap tree, which previously stood along Hadrian's Wall and was a popular location for photographers and visitors. Prosecutors criticized their actions as a "moronic mission" during the trial at Newcastle Crown Court, highlighting the devastation caused by this senseless vandalism, according to The New York Times and Reuters.

The tree, estimated to be around 200 years old, not only held significance in local culture but was also famously featured in the 1991 film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." Prosecutor Richard Wright stated that the pair displayed a complete disregard for the tree’s historical value, which had been an iconic natural landmark as well as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The felling incident triggered public outrage and grief, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

During the trial, it was revealed that Graham and Carruthers recorded a video on Graham's cellphone while cutting down the tree, an act they later seemed to "revel in" once the news broke worldwide. They were convicted on two counts of criminal damage relating to both the tree and the nearby Hadrian's Wall, where the tree fell and caused additional damage. They will face sentencing on July 15, where maximum penalties could reach up to ten years in prison for such vandalism, as reported by CBS News and India Times.

The National Trust, which manages the site, stated the felling of the tree reflects a deep societal connection to natural heritage, further expressing hope that new growth may emerge from the stump. They have initiated efforts to nurture any potential regeneration through gathered seeds and cuttings from the famed tree, according to NPR and Al Jazeera.