Daniel Graham, a vandal involved in cutting down the historic Sycamore Gap tree, will remain in prison until next year while his accomplice, Adam Carruthers, has been released early. Both received the same sentence last April, but Carruthers was freed after serving only 10 months under a government scheme. On the other hand, Graham, who filmed the vandalism, is scheduled for release in January 2027, serving longer than Carruthers who was let out under the Home Detention Curfew Scheme.
Upon release, both men are expected to wear electronic tags and spend most of their day at a designated home address. The criteria for early release vary for each prisoner, even for those with similar crimes and sentences. Graham, who spent time in custody before the trial, is still in prison. The decision on early release is at the discretion of prison governors based on individual risk assessments.
Steve Blair, the general manager of Twice Brewed Inn near Sycamore Gap, expressed surprise at Carruthers’ early release. The pub, a popular stop for Hadrian’s Wall visitors, was frequented by many intrigued by the iconic tree. Mrs. Justice Lambert, the presiding judge, had mentioned that the men would serve a maximum of 40% of their sentence, implying they could have been released in January 2027. However, Carruthers was spotted free last week, possibly released as early as March 15.
Carruthers had cut down the tree to commemorate his daughter’s birth, unaware of the global backlash it would provoke. He and Graham attempted to conceal their actions with lies, but neighbors described Carruthers as lacking judgment. The Ministry of Justice emphasized the strict conditions imposed on those under the Home Detention Curfew scheme, including electronic monitoring and potential return to prison for violations.
