Vandal Daniel Graham, one of the individuals found guilty of cutting down the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, will remain in prison until next year while his accomplice, Adam Carruthers, has been released.
Graham, aged 40, and Carruthers, aged 33, both received a sentence of four years and three months in April of last year. Carruthers chopped down the tree as a ‘trophy’ for his newborn child, resulting in his early release after 10 months under a government scheme.
Graham, who filmed the destructive act, is scheduled to be released in January 2027, serving a longer sentence than Carruthers. The Home Detention Curfew Scheme allowed Carruthers to serve part of his sentence at home with an electronic tag for 9-12 hours a day.
Factors for early release vary for each prisoner, even with similar offenses and sentences. Graham, who spent time on remand before the trial, remains in custody. The decision on early release is made by prison governors based on risk assessments.
Steve Blair, the general manager of Twice Brewed Inn near Sycamore Gap, expressed surprise at Carruthers’ release. The pub, popular among visitors to Hadrian’s Wall, was frequented by tourists who came to see the famous tree.
During the trial, Mrs. Justice Lambert mentioned that the convicted individuals would serve a maximum of 40% of their sentences, making them eligible for release in January 2027. Carruthers was observed free under the early release scheme recently.
Carruthers had cut down the tree to commemorate his first child’s birth and planned to take a piece of the sycamore for his second child, not anticipating the global outrage it would trigger.
Both Graham and Carruthers provided false explanations to justify their actions, with Carruthers downplaying the severity of the act. Locals described Carruthers as lacking intelligence and Graham as isolated.
The Ministry of Justice emphasized that individuals released on Home Detention Curfew must comply with strict conditions and wear an electronic tag. Breaching the rules can lead to a return to prison.