Context:

Walter Renwick was wrongfully accused of felling the Sycamore Gap tree, leading to intense public scrutiny and online harassment. Despite being a former lumberjack with access to a chainsaw, Renwick was not involved, as proven by subsequent police investigations. His arrest, alongside that of a 16-year-old boy, was part of a broader investigation that ultimately exonerated both. The actual perpetrators, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, were later convicted of criminal damage. The ordeal was particularly difficult for Renwick, who had recently been evicted from his family farm, heightening the emotional toll of the accusations.

Dive Deeper:

• Walter Renwick, a former lumberjack, was initially suspected by amateur sleuths and police due to his background and access to a chainsaw, despite ultimately being innocent of the Sycamore Gap tree felling.

• Renwick had recently been evicted from Plankey Mill, a farm his family had managed for decades, which added to his distress when he was wrongfully accused of the crime.

• A 16-year-old boy was also arrested but later released without charges, as social media speculation and trolling added to the chaotic situation.

• Despite the initial accusations against Renwick and the teenager, Northumbria Police conducted a thorough investigation leading to the arrest and conviction of the real culprits, Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers.

• The false accusations and public scrutiny had a significant emotional impact on Renwick, who was already dealing with the loss of his family farm.

• Jesuits in Britain, the owners of Plankey Mill, stated that Renwick's eviction was due to breaches of his tenancy agreement and provided him with multiple opportunities to discuss alternative arrangements.

• The case highlighted the dangers of social media speculation and the importance of thorough police investigations in reaching a just conclusion.