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One of the men accused of felling the famous Sycamore Gap tree and causing more than £620,000 worth of damage is too ill to stand trial, a court has heard.

Daniel Graham, 39, of Milbeck Stables, Carlisle, was unable to attend Newcastle Crown Court, prosecutors said.

His co-accused, Adam Carruthers, 32, of Church Street, Wigton, Cumbria, was in the dock pending trial.

Open image in gallery

Ms Justice Lambert adjourned the trial, which was due to begin on Monday, and said the next hearing would take place in the week commencing January 6.

The pair are jointly accused of causing £622,191 worth of damage to the much-photographed Northumberland tree.

They are also accused of causing £1,144 of damage to Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was hit by the tree when it was felled overnight on September 28, 2023.

The tree became famous after it was featured in Kevin Costner’s 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thievesand was a major attraction for tourism.

The sycamore maple was removed with a crane and taken to National Trust property for storage. Part of the trunk was displayed at the park’s visitor center this autumn and seeds from the tree, from which seedlings were grown, will be donated for planting across the UK

The tree and wall are said to belong to the National Trust.