The story kicked off in 2023. Media platforms were screaming. As some big incidents do, it did not (immediately) catch everyone’s attention, but burned slowly like a forest fire. Such are major stories.
The two men were completely incognito and insignificant. Certain types of thugs and murderers crave notoriety to find an inner purpose of life.
Famous 19th century Russian novelist, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, wrote in Brothers Karamazov:
“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.”
Goals. Satisfaction. Something to live for. Achievement.
So one evening in September 2023, Daniel Graham (39) and Adam Carruthers (32), left their home in Cumbria, north west England, border with Scotland.
Later, Carruthers would tell the court that he had finished a whole bottle of whisky “after a hard day”; and for 40 minutes, ambled through the darkness to a well known landmark.
What landmark?
Visitors and tourists enjoyed visiting Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO world heritage site. The spot has existed for sixteen centuries.
With it a famous 150 years old beauty, called the-Sycamore Gap Tree. The species was introduced into Britain by the Romans (Italians), who ruled up to the year 400.
Sycamore Gap tree won prizes (e.g. the 2016 England Tree of the Year) and featured in a Hollywood flick, “Robin Hood-Prince of Thieves” starring Kevin Costner, in 1991.
So then.
The 15 metres tall, tree was not only special; it was a national heritage. Preservation is as sacred as our memories, families and core beliefs.
Axed: The Sycamore Gap tree.
Think of UNESCO conserved spots in Tanzania, for example, Stone Town of Zanzibar and Ruins of Kilwa. Or the Great Wall of China and Peru’s Machu Picchu.
Last week, two colleagues here at The Arusha News, discussed this topic. Muhiddin Michuzi’s tallest tree in Africa, standing at 81.5 meters on slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and Danford Mpumilwa Stockholm’s famous Vasa Museum.
There are valid reasons such spots are protected.
Subsequently, what did the two whisky-drinkers, do?
The court that sentenced them to four years in prison, recently, said they chopped down this significant tree. And how?
The younger accused, Adam Carruthers, used a chainsaw. Like motor vehicles, chainsaws have high-powered engines. His older mate, Daniel Graham filmed their foolish jig. This is all intent.
Walking 40 minutes, a sharp dangerous tool, taking videos.
London’s Metro newspaper quoted an upset official: “This iconic tree can never be replaced,” The National Trust’s Andrew Road said in a victim impact statement, “It belonged to the people.” The question was why anyone would do this.”
WHY.
An important question to end this article.
Why do people undertake reckless acts?
Boredom. Aimlessness. Irresponsibility.
If we observe closer, we see whisky. Why do we humans booze? To relax? Or with food. Some, just to be tipsy. Others booze to fill voids. Emptiness. Aftermath is always varied. Most times are fights and remorse.
Before being jailed, Adam Carruthers told the court that it is something he “shall regret for the rest of his life.”
Then the phone video. Why are we filming every single thing we do—ridiculous and brilliant—nowadays?
Living in an era of self love, self worship; constant narcissism.
Narcissism, according to Oxford dictionary is an “excessive admiration of ourselves.”
Let me ask you dear reader. Have you indulged in excessive, ego tripping and self love behaviour, lately?
Bless your eyes.
Ciao, if you speak Italian.
Email: mtegowachui@gmail.com
You Tube Channel: kwasimutokalondon
