Masked Defendants Face Steep Cost of Damage for Allegedly Felling Famous 150-Year-Old Sycamore Gap Tree

(LONDON) — Two men accused of cutting down the majestic Sycamore Gap tree concealed their faces from cameras as they arrived at court Wednesday but inside the courtroom they couldn’t hide from the cost of the damage they allegedly caused.

A prosecutor said the value of the roughly 150-year-old beloved tree that was toppled onto Hadrian’s Wall in northern England last year exceeded 620,000 pounds ($785,000).

“This is a case that will be instantly recognizable to you...