The trial of two men accused of cutting down the famous ‘Robin Hood’ tree in Newcastle began on Monday with jury selection.
The defendants, aged 39 and 32, are on trial for allegedly felling the Sycamore Gap Tree, named for its location between two hills. Formal proceedings in the case are set to begin on Tuesday.
The motive behind the felling remains unclear. The two men are accused of causing over £620,000 (approximately €730,000) in damages but deny the charges.
The ancient Hadrian’s Wall, along which the sycamore grew, was also damaged during the incident. Damage to the 2nd-century wall is estimated at around £1,100 (approximately €1,300).
The wall, built by Roman Emperor Hadrian, was intended to safeguard the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.
Both the tree and the wall were protected by the UK’s National Trust.
The tree was located near Hexham and its felling prompted widespread emotional reactions both locally and beyond. It earned its ‘Robin Hood’ nickname after appearing in the 1991 film ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,’ starring Kevin Costner.
In 2016, the tree was voted England’s Tree of the Year.
