One of the Sycamore Gap defendants too ill for court

The felled tree at Sycamore Gap, next to Hadrian’s Wall, in Northumberland (Owen Humphreys/PA) - (PA Wire)

One of the men charged with felling the famous Sycamore Gap tree and causing more than £620,000 of damage was too ill to appear before a judge.

Adam Carruthers, 32, of Church Street, Wigton, Cumbria, watched Monday’s 20 minute pre-trial hearing at Newcastle Crown Court via his mobile phone.