Sycamore Gap tree verdict

Wonder why they did it..?

It seems to be the most pointless thing ever doesn’t it? I can think of worst crimes tho.

They refuse to say why they did it but despite them pleading not guilty, the evidence against them was overwhelming.
It will be interesting to see what punishment they get. I doubt if there is a precedent to this case.

Yes, the law doesn't allow harsh sentences in this case. It was a tree, not a human being.

I feel these two men were lacking in basic disrespect for nature. People cut down healthy trees all the time, it was just the mindless vandalism in this particular case for a tree that is very common (and can be invasive) in this country, was growing in this particular spot. A hundred years ago it was a sapling and was just left to grow in its unique setting.

I don't think the law is an ass in this case, these two men were, but whether others including pub chains or local councils, will cease to destroy trees at will I doubt very much.

Councils and builders are the worst culprits where cutting down healthy trees are concerned.

I read there is to be a mental health assessment before sentencing in July. I wonder why such a report hadn’t been submitted as evidence before the verdict?

Well they are both as thick as bricks.

vegansrock

Well they are both as thick as bricks.

Agree!! The evidence against them was overwhelming! WHO advised them to plead not guilty??

As I said on another thread - found guilty, when the evidence is overwhelming is lying - any sentence should be doubled.

In addition to a prison sentence maybe they should do community service- planting trees for a few years.

vegansrock

Well they are both as thick as bricks.

I was just paging down to say exactly the same thing.

I think the best punishment would be to put them in the stocks in the centre of town for a couple of days so that everyone can point at them and laugh.

vegansrock

In addition to a prison sentence maybe they should do community service- planting trees for a few years.

Hear hear!!

Quote vegansrock Fri 09-May-25 16:49:24
In addition to a prison sentence maybe they should do community service- planting trees for a few years.

Yes 👏👏👏

Mindless vandalism! What on earth possessed them to do something like that - I have no words!

Oreo

It seems to be the most pointless thing ever doesn’t it? I can think of worst crimes tho.

A lot of fuss about a tree & yes Oreo people have committed worst crimes without all this whohaa!
I blame most of it on the idiot social media twits who turned a beautiful, natural living breathing tree into commodity for stupid, inane social media likes!
It will be replaced & hopefully grow & thrive without becoming a becon for fame hungry nimbies.
I do think the sentences the men received were overly harsh myself. 🤔

?? Ilovedogs22

Sentencing isn’t due until 15/7.

I didn’t think the two idiots had been sentenced yet - mental health assessments need to be prepared and put to the judge. Also I read the tree was beginning to grow back??

They haven't been sentenced yet but they are being held in custody for their own safety according to BBC news.

Oreo wrote:

"Councils and builders are the worst culprits where cutting down healthy trees are concerned."

Yes, but the Sycamore Gap Tree is iconic in its simplicity. The criminals are mentally and morally deficient.
The case is a simple icon of love over evil that means a lot to many people who can all feel mutual sympathy.

Keeping Quiet, I understand it was not a self seeded tree but was deliberately planted about one hundred years ago by a Newcastle man , Mr. Clayton, who loved the place, loved the tree, and owned the bit of land the tree grew from.

It bought a lot of joy to a lot of people. You can’t put a price on that.

ronib

I read there is to be a mental health assessment before sentencing in July. I wonder why such a report hadn’t been submitted as evidence before the verdict?

Why am I not surprised by this?
It seems that it’s the go to excuse nowadays and makes a mockery of genuine mental ill health. People who are really suffering mental ill health need all the help they can get, but this band wagon element annoys me.

Caleo

Oreo wrote:

"Councils and builders are the worst culprits where cutting down healthy trees are concerned."

Yes, but the Sycamore Gap Tree is iconic in its simplicity. The criminals are mentally and morally deficient.
The case is a simple icon of love over evil that means a lot to many people who can all feel mutual sympathy.

So a Council such as Plymouth ( just one example) can cut down many healthy large trees in the city centre without so much as a slap on the wrist, but cutting down this one tree that was in a film and people liked seeing it there will result perhaps in a prison sentence?It’s madness.
They were idiots to do it but so were the Council.

Love over evil? 😂