The Story How the Sycamore Gap killers were caught
May 11, 2025
Constance Kampfner, Northern Correspondent for The Times, provides a firsthand account of the trial surrounding the infamous felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. She shares insights into the courtroom drama and the emotional community response. Listeners will learn about the chaotic investigation, the cultural significance of the beloved tree, and the courtroom antics of the defendants as they confront serious charges. Kampfner captures the tension and complexity of the case, revealing how a moment of vandalism ignited a public outcry.
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Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree
- The Sycamore Gap tree was iconic, beloved, and a site of personal memories like proposals and memorials.
- It featured in a famous film and was named England's Tree of the Year in 2016.
Early Investigation Challenges
- Early police investigations involved multiple arrests but no immediate breakthrough.
- The public shock increased pressure to quickly find the culprits.
Tree Valuation and Crime Charge
- The crime charge was criminal damage to the tree owned by the national park.
- The tree's value was assessed at over £600,000 using an ecological and social valuation system.