I think the loss of finances to local businesses, due to people not visiting the area (As the tree has gone) should be also taken into account. My opinion, it's mindless vandalism and if found guilty they should face the full 10 years.
A building can be rebuilt. This tree will never be around again in my lifetime. Just mindless vandalism by grown men who should know better. I would imagine the two who did it probably already have criminal records.
It's like someone knocking down Big Ben in London it's a monument of national importance no different to the Sycamore Gap tree and your youtube channel both of which are nationally important. 2 days to go til my birthday and I'll be in Newcastle and I can't wait. We'll done on another awesome video Eddy.
I can only assume that the people saying "it is just a tree" have never actually witnessed it in person. It was beautiful, majestic, and a landmark, and DID feel spiritual and to destroy something that means so much to a lot of people is just so unnecessary, and in doing so, makes you wonder about the mindset of such a person, and even if such a callous person with no respect for beauty or history or nature or other peoples feelings should be allowed on our streets, the tree stood proud and strong and even if you have no sentimental attachment to it, (which i have) you could still respect and admire it for what it was
It’s the mentality of these (innocent until proven guilty) and people like them that needs to be addressed and rectified. That requires the law to step in to send a message that such behaviour unacceptable to a degree of sufficient deterrence. The ten years is a maximum for the category.
When i heard about this tree I quite simply was so upset and angry about it that I couldn't talk or watch any news about it until I started to watch you channel a few weeks ago, having said that, don't you think humans are weird ? all the people who outraged by this, they care more about a tree, historic sites and animals more than they care about other fellow humans or what is going on in the World at the moment and who is doing it to us. Another great video Tyneside.
Eddy, regular viewer here. I had a sycamore pollarded a year ago not far from steel rigg. Anyhow, by early summer that tree will have 3ft of shoots coming off it. Fast forward 10 years and it’ll be 25/30ft tall. Albeit it’ll look like a round bush. Stay positive and keep up the great journalism
Well said Eddy. Every now and again a crime comes along where an example and precedent needs to be set, so further similar crimes, in this case to our heritage, will not be tolerated. This is most certainly one of those crimes. It strikes me as more than just mindless violence too, as a great deal of time and effort must have gone into reaching that isolated spot on a stormy night. It will be interesting to see what comes out in court as to their reasons for doing it.
In a way, it's like a family heirloom in that the object itself may not be much, but it's the memories and history behind it that make it so important.
What a fantastic report! I'm here on a Friday night, sitting in a very privileged part of Sydney, Australia, having been brought up in Byker even before the Byker Wall was built, thinking that this is a sad episode in a Geordie culture I still hold dear to my heart some 45 years after leaving a region that formed all of my principles in life. Well done on your stance - and your coverage of this woeful incident, as well the neglect of present-day Byker, Gateshead High St. etc etc. Keep up the great work. It's much appreciated from the other side of the world!
In my opinion it's HATE ! Wanting to destroy something to cause harm: To the tree, To the environment and harm to those that love the natural world that brings pleasure and forms our lifeblood. All this effort just so they could watch from their sad little room as millions of people were upset by the mindless and needless destruction of something good, that we could all be proud of and cherish ! This is a common theme nowadays and encouraged by millions of folk with a similar view online . The world is a nasty place just now and we need to stand against it.
Not to mention that the tree was also in a film with Kevin Costner, I visited it as a school boy and later with my family, I am now 73 and feel we have been robbed of an iconic national monument.
I live in the area. There is more to this story than is being revealed. Two men aren't going to chop down an iconic tree, at night, just on their own whim. Someone paid them to do it, and they need to speak up and say who, and that person has to also be brought to justice and made to pay a fine and prison sentence. It's National Trust property, but they will have leased the land from someone. Lots of people walk that route, many to just to see the Sycamore Gap tree and photograph and paint it etc. It was an important tree, but because of that, and the people it attracted onto the land, someone wanted it chopped down. The identity of that person is so secret that the two men on trial initially blamed a 16 year old apprentice. He, sensibly, spoke up. I thonk Caruthers is hiding his face because he doesn't want to be recognised because he will be associated with the person who paid them. There is more going on with this, and it isn't the time for these men to be silent to protect someone else.
Hi Amanda, the possible motives haven’t been suggested or ‘revealed’ in any of my videos on this. I’m aware that there will be a significant reason for the motive and it’s certainly not on a whim. I’m also aware you’re repeating local speculation, rather than first hand knowledge. What you’re claiming may or not turn out to be correct, but this isn’t the only motive that’s being speculated on. We’ll hopefully find out at court 👍🏻
I was getting married a month later in the October, and as a wedding gift me and the wife were gifted a short stay at a lovely B&B (Layside) for after our honeymoon - a B&B that overlooked Sycamore Gap - obviously booked before this happened. Not making it all about myself but naturally was very disappointed that this happened right before I got to see it. Still would be just as disappointed if it happened after my stay. Just completely obnoxious of them to do this. Spoke to the owners of Layside at decent length about how they expected to be impacted by it, and we all just felt really dejected about what had happened. Still a smashing stay though, and highly recommend Layside in spite of this.
I’d like to know what possible motive they could have had. Guess it could have been to get bragging rights amongst their mates. Maybe they were dared to do it!? They’ve certainly upset a lot of people.
No tree is "just" a tree without them we wouldn't be able to breathe its the worlds lungs...its not an accident the branches look like lungs. I do not understand why anyone would do that?
To those who say it's just a tree what if someone came and destroyed your home would that be ok because it's just a house and there's millions in the uk.
I totally agree with all the points the manager of Twice Brewed said. But do you know what bothers me the most? and you touched on it. It was over 200 years old, so when you think that the tree had been around through several centuries, both world wars and countless other things, it obviously was around long before any of us were around and would have been here long after all of us as well and was cut down for some petty grudge "allegedly" so yes that's exactly right its part of our heritage, and anything that is of historical value should be treated differently.
Anyone saying it’s just a tree obviously have zero empathy or passion for our country and heritage. They’re probably the type of people who throw their McDonald’s rubbish out of the car window
Lets imagine the tree was a 150yr old sculpture made by a very famous artist. Or lets imagine it was the statue of Sir Bobby Robson, for example. Then someone vandalised or destroyed it entirely. Would people still say "Its just a sculpture, move on". The object means so much more than the stuff it is or is made of. Man made sculptures can be repaired or replaced. This was in essence a living sculpture. Can never be replaced, can only be replanted with a different tree and maybe someday that tree will mean something to others is 200yrs, but its not the old tree. It meant a lot to a lot of people, not just another tree in a forest. Send em down! 10 years on the tax payers, worth every penny.
I’m moving to tynemouth from mcr very shortly I was looking forward to visiting this spot😢 I will still be coming never the less 👍🏻👍🏻ps I’m bringing a Geordie back home 😂
Its just a tree some say well its just a jail sentence im saying. We need to be setting examples with are laws. When something affects businesses and the locals the way this has, then 5yrs plus is the way ahead. I realy hope we find out why. They are men 30 plus yrs old id understand if a couple of youngsters did but two grown men. Wtf.
Worth noting maybe is that the 'Just Stop Oil' protesters, no matter how misguided you or I may think them, had sincere motives and knew beforehand that the Van Gogh was safe behind glass. Very different to whoever cut down the tree. Yet the law under which the protesters were prosecuted prevents them defending themselves by explaining their reasons, under pain of further contempt charges, whereas these two can defend themselves any way they choose.
You misunderstand the law and circumstances David. The defence ‘claimed’ they knew the painting was behind glass. They were still reckless as to whether criminal damage would be caused, to which there was. £10,000 worth of damage. The protesters were provided the exact same rights as anyone else in a trial, to defend themselves and explain their reasons, possible defences and mitigations. This is not contempt of court. Under the law they were found guilty The exact same rights are afforded to the Sycamore Gap suspects
Information like that isn’t available David, only speculation and conjecture. They’ve pleaded not guilty and obviously deny involvement. We’ll only find out at the trial 👍🏻
It was more then just a tree....I think it's more the fact it was cut down more then blown down,that's got people worked up....What was the point ? Why were they so upset with the tree they decided to down it ? What will they do after the outcome ,? It wouldn't change these lads , they will just have a story to tell their family members. It will be part of history written for future references . Once the trial finishes the interest in the felling will fade ..But for us living in the local area. the effects of this heartless act will stay with us for alot longer...alot longer
The Huw Edwards case is not unique. It’s rare for a custodial sentence for anyone who pleads guilty to possession of indecent images of children. He received a 6 month sentence, suspended for two years. Personally I’d lock them all up.
The Huw Edwards case is not unique. It’s rare for a custodial sentence for anyone who pleads guilty to possession of indecent images of children. He received a 6 month sentence, suspended for two years. Personally I’d lock them all up.
You speak of other criminals getting less than 10 years. Firstly, we do not yet know what these two chaps will get. A mate of mine did 4 years mainly in Dartmoor. He got that for a collection of offences, GBH, theft, receiving and fraud. He had been inside several times previously, and was told by his own barrister that the book would be thrown at him. He later got 6 months for Section 6, RTA, driving whilst disqualified in a stolen vehicle without tax, MOT or insurance. Sentencing guidelines are followed and many will feel that the sentence is either not enough or too much. Taken into account are many factors, working out whether it is fair is a very inexact science!
@@TynesideLife You spoke about people commenting on potential sentence compared with the 10stretch that potentially these two may get. You went on to say that when challenged, people were not able to provide examples. In the first instance, they have yet to be convicted, secondly, the Bench will take many issues into account before sentence. The main question we want answering is 'why'. I can think of many reasons for felling sycamores, albeit not 'famous' ones, they clearly didn't do it for the firewood. We await reporting of the evidence and any mitigation.
@ firstly, can I just say that I have a whole career behind me working in the criminal justice system, so I suspect I may know a little more than yourself… Secondly, yes, you’re still misrepresenting what I’ve said. You’re paraphrasing little extracts and then joining them together with other little extracts, out of context. Lastly, I don’t make any assumptions on a possible sentence. I explain under what circumstances a ‘possible’ 10 year maximum could look like for a case of criminal damage. All things considered and in my experience, if convicted, these two will certainly face a custodial sentence. Higher than 5 years if they’re found guilty by a jury. I attended their pre trial hearing two weeks ago at Newcastle Crown court (covered in a separate video) and I know a little more than I currently reveal. If you have any questions, just ask 👍🏻
@@TynesideLife I started in the margins of the criminal justice system in 1977 and drifted towards the middle of it, retiring in 2018. You may know a little more than I do, then again, you may not. I do not intend getting into a peeing up the wall contest. The case is interesting mainly because we do not generally know 'motive', or how enquiries linked these two to the alleged offense. I have a tree that I have been asked to fell in a neighbours garden, it is 5' feet from my fence, I haven't found the energy to do it yet, so why two chaps would miss watching Eastenders to go out many miles to drop a tree is fascinating. Sentencing will be interesting, there seems to be a lot of 'emotion' ranged against whoever did this, people talking of the tree as a national treasure and so on. As trees go, it had a level of fame. Last criminal damage to a tree I can remember was a publically funded Christmas tree in Civic Square, Tilbury. No offenders were ever caught, most people simply thought it was funny. There were then, as there are today, bigger problems in Tilbury. We await reports from the trial.
@ oh this case is very interesting for several reasons. It has been investigated with the same level of vigour, thoroughness and tenacity as if it were a murder, such is the importance and global impact of the crime. Botany genetics, cell site analysis, ANPR and image enhancement form the basis of expert witness testimony in a prosecution file of around 42,000 pages. I go into some detail regarding the importance of the tree in the video, its impact on the community, businesses and how the value was calculated, not just the emotional impact. £600K is a hefty criminal damage cost. The likely motives of the culprits is either a significant grudge, or paid to do the job by someone with a grudge, such is the level of planning involved. We’ll obviously find out soon enough. I’ll be in court on the 3rd. 👍🏻
It’s the mentality of these (innocent until guilty) and people like them that needs to be addressed and rectified. That requires the law to step in to send a message that such behaviour unacceptable to a degree of sufficient deterrence.
@@annetodd4626 600 years of history, gone! You say that "It's just a plant"? Well to many it is much more! The tree was a testament to survival through adversity and remained loved throughout all its struggles against the elements and wars. It stood proudly as a beacon, as a token of love, a place of peace, and for generations of people to appreciate its beauty.
This tree was a symbol, the world’s most photographed, on a UNESCO world heritage site. Stonehenge is just a collection of stones, might as well be a pile of rubble? Symbols are important to local society and its culture, symbols have meaning, and their loss has an effect on people. Felling this tree was, at the most basic level, planned criminal damage, vandalism is its most obvious. Your comment suggests that vandalism doesn’t matter, when it does. Your comment does you no credit, and betrays your complete indifference to the society we all live in, and to the people in it.
Keep in mind that any Judge must follow sentencing guidlines and those charged have a defence team. Another factor to bear in mind, is that most people convicted are released from prison at the half way stage with the rest of the sentence on licence in the community. Therefore a full 10 year sentence will actually be 5.
Another excellent well researched and impartial presentation Eddy. Thank you. This is why you have so many followers.
Roger NZ
🙏👍🏻 thank you Roger
I think the loss of finances to local businesses, due to people not visiting the area (As the tree has gone) should be also taken into account. My opinion, it's mindless vandalism and if found guilty they should face the full 10 years.
It has been bud. Outlined in the video 👍🏻
A building can be rebuilt. This tree will never be around again in my lifetime. Just mindless vandalism by grown men who should know better. I would imagine the two who did it probably already have criminal records.
It's like someone knocking down Big Ben in London it's a monument of national importance no different to the Sycamore Gap tree and your youtube channel both of which are nationally important. 2 days to go til my birthday and I'll be in Newcastle and I can't wait. We'll done on another awesome video Eddy.
You’re doing a great job, please keep it up!
I just want to know why they did it & what they hoped they would benefit from it 😕
I'd like to know too, just before they're locked up for a 10 stretch (if found guilty).
I can only assume that the people saying "it is just a tree" have never actually witnessed it in person. It was beautiful, majestic, and a landmark, and DID feel spiritual and to destroy something that means so much to a lot of people is just so unnecessary, and in doing so, makes you wonder about the mindset of such a person, and even if such a callous person with no respect for beauty or history or nature or other peoples feelings should be allowed on our streets, the tree stood proud and strong and even if you have no sentimental attachment to it, (which i have) you could still respect and admire it for what it was
My heart goes out Steve at Twice brewed. This act is unforgettable.
It’s the mentality of these (innocent until proven guilty) and people like them that needs to be addressed and rectified. That requires the law to step in to send a message that such behaviour unacceptable to a degree of sufficient deterrence.
The ten years is a maximum for the category.
When i heard about this tree I quite simply was so upset and angry about it that I couldn't talk or watch any news about it until I started to watch you channel a few weeks ago, having said that, don't you think humans are weird ? all the people who outraged by this, they care more about a tree, historic sites and animals more than they care about other fellow humans or what is going on in the World at the moment and who is doing it to us. Another great video Tyneside.
Eddy, regular viewer here. I had a sycamore pollarded a year ago not far from steel rigg. Anyhow, by early summer that tree will have 3ft of shoots coming off it. Fast forward 10 years and it’ll be 25/30ft tall. Albeit it’ll look like a round bush. Stay positive and keep up the great journalism
Well said Eddy. Every now and again a crime comes along where an example and precedent needs to be set, so further similar crimes, in this case to our heritage, will not be tolerated. This is most certainly one of those crimes. It strikes me as more than just mindless violence too, as a great deal of time and effort must have gone into reaching that isolated spot on a stormy night. It will be interesting to see what comes out in court as to their reasons for doing it.
Exactly Claire ☝️👍🏻
In a way, it's like a family heirloom in that the object itself may not be much, but it's the memories and history behind it that make it so important.
Exactly ☝️👍🏻
What a fantastic report! I'm here on a Friday night, sitting in a very privileged part of Sydney, Australia, having been brought up in Byker even before the Byker Wall was built, thinking that this is a sad episode in a Geordie culture I still hold dear to my heart some 45 years after leaving a region that formed all of my principles in life. Well done on your stance - and your coverage of this woeful incident, as well the neglect of present-day Byker, Gateshead High St. etc etc. Keep up the great work. It's much appreciated from the other side of the world!
Thank you Peter ☝️🙏👍🏻
In my opinion it's HATE ! Wanting to destroy something to cause harm: To the tree, To the environment and harm to those that love the natural world that brings pleasure and forms our lifeblood. All this effort just so they could watch from their sad little room as millions of people were upset by the mindless and needless destruction of something good, that we could all be proud of and cherish ! This is a common theme nowadays and encouraged by millions of folk with a similar view online . The world is a nasty place just now and we need to stand against it.
They can't just let people walk away, everyone would start vandalism
Thanks from Brasil.
Class reporting. Keep it up
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If the value is calculated based on its value to local community and businesses then it was worth a lot more than £600k.
That’s an interesting conversation and debate in itself 👍🏻
Not to mention that the tree was also in a film with Kevin Costner, I visited it as a school boy and later with my family, I am now 73 and feel we have been robbed of an iconic national monument.
Thanks for sharing this video Eddy. Your topics are so on cue & truthful. Yx
Excellent research and report Eddy. Let’s hope this pair if found guilty feel the full force of the law.
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My part of the world, so very lucky to live here. Yes,it is a tree,but it is a huge miss.Thanks for the report and Steve spoke well.
This was my favourite place along the wall, I was shocked and I still am. Give em full 10 years.
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Just brilliant Eddy, I totally agree with you,a tragic event and they should be punished for it,hopefully 😢
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Christmas will come early if they get 10 years.
I live in the area. There is more to this story than is being revealed. Two men aren't going to chop down an iconic tree, at night, just on their own whim. Someone paid them to do it, and they need to speak up and say who, and that person has to also be brought to justice and made to pay a fine and prison sentence. It's National Trust property, but they will have leased the land from someone. Lots of people walk that route, many to just to see the Sycamore Gap tree and photograph and paint it etc. It was an important tree, but because of that, and the people it attracted onto the land, someone wanted it chopped down. The identity of that person is so secret that the two men on trial initially blamed a 16 year old apprentice. He, sensibly, spoke up. I thonk Caruthers is hiding his face because he doesn't want to be recognised because he will be associated with the person who paid them. There is more going on with this, and it isn't the time for these men to be silent to protect someone else.
Hi Amanda, the possible motives haven’t been suggested or ‘revealed’ in any of my videos on this.
I’m aware that there will be a significant reason for the motive and it’s certainly not on a whim. I’m also aware you’re repeating local speculation, rather than first hand knowledge.
What you’re claiming may or not turn out to be correct, but this isn’t the only motive that’s being speculated on. We’ll hopefully find out at court 👍🏻
Tremendous report, Eddie. Really appreciated
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Brilliant as always eddy
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Great analysis. I hope they receive the full weight of the law.
The sycamore gap tree was important to loads of people.
Thanks for this Eddy. Very interesting. Top notch work as usual 👍
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I was getting married a month later in the October, and as a wedding gift me and the wife were gifted a short stay at a lovely B&B (Layside) for after our honeymoon - a B&B that overlooked Sycamore Gap - obviously booked before this happened. Not making it all about myself but naturally was very disappointed that this happened right before I got to see it. Still would be just as disappointed if it happened after my stay.
Just completely obnoxious of them to do this. Spoke to the owners of Layside at decent length about how they expected to be impacted by it, and we all just felt really dejected about what had happened.
Still a smashing stay though, and highly recommend Layside in spite of this.
When they need to spend 10 years in jail that fencing around the stump looks like a good public location
Love your passion for the area Eddy, keep up the good work!
Great video Eddy Keep up the great Work Eddy
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It’s all way a pleasure watching your channel keep it up
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I’d like to know what possible motive they could have had. Guess it could have been to get bragging rights amongst their mates. Maybe they were dared to do it!?
They’ve certainly upset a lot of people.
No tree is "just" a tree without them we wouldn't be able to breathe its the worlds lungs...its not an accident the branches look like lungs. I do not understand why anyone would do that?
To those who say it's just a tree what if someone came and destroyed your home would that be ok because it's just a house and there's millions in the uk.
You’d think you’d copied that argument from my video… 😉
Eddie I've oil painted I'm guessing just before it was felled ....
I totally agree with all the points the manager of Twice Brewed said. But do you know what bothers me the most? and you touched on it. It was over 200 years old, so when you think that the tree had been around through several centuries, both world wars and countless other things, it obviously was around long before any of us were around and would have been here long after all of us as well and was cut down for some petty grudge "allegedly" so yes that's exactly right its part of our heritage, and anything that is of historical value should be treated differently.
Exactly Martin ☝️👍🏻
Anyone saying it’s just a tree obviously have zero empathy or passion for our country and heritage. They’re probably the type of people who throw their McDonald’s rubbish out of the car window
Has the motive been revealed yet? It's what's confusing me the most.
Lets imagine the tree was a 150yr old sculpture made by a very famous artist. Or lets imagine it was the statue of Sir Bobby Robson, for example. Then someone vandalised or destroyed it entirely. Would people still say "Its just a sculpture, move on". The object means so much more than the stuff it is or is made of.
Man made sculptures can be repaired or replaced. This was in essence a living sculpture. Can never be replaced, can only be replanted with a different tree and maybe someday that tree will mean something to others
is 200yrs, but its not the old tree. It meant a lot to a lot of people, not just another tree in a forest.
Send em down! 10 years on the tax payers, worth every penny.
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I’m moving to tynemouth from mcr very shortly I was looking forward to visiting this spot😢 I will still be coming never the less 👍🏻👍🏻ps I’m bringing a Geordie back home 😂
Its just a tree some say well its just a jail sentence im saying. We need to be setting examples with are laws. When something affects businesses and the locals the way this has, then 5yrs plus is the way ahead. I realy hope we find out why. They are men 30 plus yrs old id understand if a couple of youngsters did but two grown men. Wtf.
Worth noting maybe is that the 'Just Stop Oil' protesters, no matter how misguided you or I may think them, had sincere motives and knew beforehand that the Van Gogh was safe behind glass. Very different to whoever cut down the tree.
Yet the law under which the protesters were prosecuted prevents them defending themselves by explaining their reasons, under pain of further contempt charges, whereas these two can defend themselves any way they choose.
You misunderstand the law and circumstances David.
The defence ‘claimed’ they knew the painting was behind glass. They were still reckless as to whether criminal damage would be caused, to which there was. £10,000 worth of damage.
The protesters were provided the exact same rights as anyone else in a trial, to defend themselves and explain their reasons, possible defences and mitigations. This is not contempt of court.
Under the law they were found guilty
The exact same rights are afforded to the Sycamore Gap suspects
Eddie please can you do a quick video on the suspects and why they did it in the first place? I read something ages ago and can’t find it
Information like that isn’t available David, only speculation and conjecture. They’ve pleaded not guilty and obviously deny involvement.
We’ll only find out at the trial 👍🏻
hope you have your thermals on eddie
🥶
Do you think the tree was chopped down to suit the rich, the tree is now ashtrays and matchstick holders in someone’s wealthy country estate
No.
The biggest unknown is still unknown--why did they do this?
What was the motive though? Dendrophilia?
maybe dendrophobia?
The tree was part of many peoples lives & fond memories I was last there with my little dog Rosie who I lost this June.
😥
Good one Eddy👍
Id share it on here but don't know how😂😂
It was more then just a tree....I think it's more the fact it was cut down more then blown down,that's got people worked up....What was the point ? Why were they so upset with the tree they decided to down it ? What will they do after the outcome ,? It wouldn't change these lads , they will just have a story to tell their family members. It will be part of history written for future references . Once the trial finishes the interest in the felling will fade ..But for us living in the local area. the effects of this heartless act will stay with us for alot longer...alot longer
Huw Edwards!
The Huw Edwards case is not unique. It’s rare for a custodial sentence for anyone who pleads guilty to possession of indecent images of children.
He received a 6 month sentence, suspended for two years.
Personally I’d lock them all up.
Huw Edwards
The Huw Edwards case is not unique. It’s rare for a custodial sentence for anyone who pleads guilty to possession of indecent images of children.
He received a 6 month sentence, suspended for two years.
Personally I’d lock them all up.
You speak of other criminals getting less than 10 years. Firstly, we do not yet know what these two chaps will get. A mate of mine did 4 years mainly in Dartmoor. He got that for a collection of offences, GBH, theft, receiving and fraud. He had been inside several times previously, and was told by his own barrister that the book would be thrown at him. He later got 6 months for Section 6, RTA, driving whilst disqualified in a stolen vehicle without tax, MOT or insurance. Sentencing guidelines are followed and many will feel that the sentence is either not enough or too much.
Taken into account are many factors, working out whether it is fair is a very inexact science!
You’ve misrepresented what I’ve said in the video by quite a lot
@@TynesideLife You spoke about people commenting on potential sentence compared with the 10stretch that potentially these two may get. You went on to say that when challenged, people were not able to provide examples.
In the first instance, they have yet to be convicted, secondly, the Bench will take many issues into account before sentence.
The main question we want answering is 'why'. I can think of many reasons for felling sycamores, albeit not 'famous' ones, they clearly didn't do it for the firewood. We await reporting of the evidence and any mitigation.
@ firstly, can I just say that I have a whole career behind me working in the criminal justice system, so I suspect I may know a little more than yourself…
Secondly, yes, you’re still misrepresenting what I’ve said. You’re paraphrasing little extracts and then joining them together with other little extracts, out of context.
Lastly, I don’t make any assumptions on a possible sentence. I explain under what circumstances a ‘possible’ 10 year maximum could look like for a case of criminal damage. All things considered and in my experience, if convicted, these two will certainly face a custodial sentence. Higher than 5 years if they’re found guilty by a jury.
I attended their pre trial hearing two weeks ago at Newcastle Crown court (covered in a separate video) and I know a little more than I currently reveal.
If you have any questions, just ask 👍🏻
@@TynesideLife I started in the margins of the criminal justice system in 1977 and drifted towards the middle of it, retiring in 2018. You may know a little more than I do, then again, you may not. I do not intend getting into a peeing up the wall contest.
The case is interesting mainly because we do not generally know 'motive', or how enquiries linked these two to the alleged offense. I have a tree that I have been asked to fell in a neighbours garden, it is 5' feet from my fence, I haven't found the energy to do it yet, so why two chaps would miss watching Eastenders to go out many miles to drop a tree is fascinating.
Sentencing will be interesting, there seems to be a lot of 'emotion' ranged against whoever did this, people talking of the tree as a national treasure and so on. As trees go, it had a level of fame. Last criminal damage to a tree I can remember was a publically funded Christmas tree in Civic Square, Tilbury. No offenders were ever caught, most people simply thought it was funny. There were then, as there are today, bigger problems in Tilbury.
We await reports from the trial.
@ oh this case is very interesting for several reasons. It has been investigated with the same level of vigour, thoroughness and tenacity as if it were a murder, such is the importance and global impact of the crime.
Botany genetics, cell site analysis, ANPR and image enhancement form the basis of expert witness testimony in a prosecution file of around 42,000 pages.
I go into some detail regarding the importance of the tree in the video, its impact on the community, businesses and how the value was calculated, not just the emotional impact. £600K is a hefty criminal damage cost.
The likely motives of the culprits is either a significant grudge, or paid to do the job by someone with a grudge, such is the level of planning involved. We’ll obviously find out soon enough.
I’ll be in court on the 3rd. 👍🏻
Thanks
Thank you Phil 🙏👊🏻👍🏻
Disgraceful.
Get a life grow another. Not worth anyone getting prison time for such a minor event. No plant is worth that amount of money. THE Tree. Rubbish.
And there in one comment is why this country is in such a mess
It’s the mentality of these (innocent until guilty) and people like them that needs to be addressed and rectified. That requires the law to step in to send a message that such behaviour unacceptable to a degree of sufficient deterrence.
@@annetodd4626 600 years of history, gone! You say that "It's just a plant"? Well to many it is much more! The tree was a testament to survival through adversity and remained loved throughout all its struggles against the elements and wars. It stood proudly as a beacon, as a token of love, a place of peace, and for generations of people to appreciate its beauty.
This tree was a symbol, the world’s most photographed, on a UNESCO world heritage site. Stonehenge is just a collection of stones, might as well be a pile of rubble? Symbols are important to local society and its culture, symbols have meaning, and their loss has an effect on people. Felling this tree was, at the most basic level, planned criminal damage, vandalism is its most obvious. Your comment suggests that vandalism doesn’t matter, when it does. Your comment does you no credit, and betrays your complete indifference to the society we all live in, and to the people in it.
I think you are the sort of person who concretes over a lawn to park a car, then plants plastic flowers !
Keep in mind that any Judge must follow sentencing guidlines and those charged have a defence team. Another factor to bear in mind, is that most people convicted are released from prison at the half way stage with the rest of the sentence on licence in the community. Therefore a full 10 year sentence will actually be 5.
I’m assuming you’re directing your comment at other readers and not at me? 😅 I’m very familiar with our judicial system and not as a criminal 👍🏻