Edinburgh terrorism trial: Gabrielle Friel found guilty under Terrorism Act of possessing crossbow and machete but cleared of Incel-linked terror charge

Gabrielle Friel has been found guilty under the Terrorism Act of possessing weapons but cleared of an incel-linked terrorism charge involving wanting to "carry out a spree killing", following trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.
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The 22-year-old was found guilty by majority of having a crossbow, scope, crossbow bolts, a machete and a ballistic vest at various locations in Edinburgh between June 1 and August 16 last year, including his home, a social work centre and a hospital, in circumstances giving rise to the reasonable suspicion that possessing these was for a purpose connected with terrorism.

The jury found the allegation that he prepared for terrorist acts by conducting online research in relation to spree killings during this time, particularly those expressing motivation from or affiliation with incels not proven, also by majority verdict.

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As part of this charge, Friel was accused of having "expressed affinity with and sympathy for one incel-motivated mass murderer" and to have expressed "a desire to carry out a spree killing mass murder".

Gabrielle Friel has been found guilty under Terrorism Act of possessing weapons but cleared of Incel-linked terror charge. Pic: Crown OfficeGabrielle Friel has been found guilty under Terrorism Act of possessing weapons but cleared of Incel-linked terror charge. Pic: Crown Office
Gabrielle Friel has been found guilty under Terrorism Act of possessing weapons but cleared of Incel-linked terror charge. Pic: Crown Office

During the trial, forensic scientist Khaldoun Kabbani told the court that a crossbow recovered by police during their investigation was capable of killing someone.

The weapon was found along with 20 inch bolts with pointed steel tips and a telescopic sight. The company which sold the crossbow said it was "ideal for long range targets".

A machete kukri knife with a 12 ins blade was also recovered.

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A protective vest was also examined by Kabbani who said that it would not be considered bullet or stab proof in its current condition as metal plates had not been inserted into it.

Friel practiced firing the crossbow on a Pepsi can. Pictures: Crown OfficeFriel practiced firing the crossbow on a Pepsi can. Pictures: Crown Office
Friel practiced firing the crossbow on a Pepsi can. Pictures: Crown Office

The weapons were discovered by police after concerns were flagged by a social worker and a forensic psychiatrist who met with Friel last year.

Edinburgh College incident

The court also heard that, in 2017, Friel brought a knife into Edinburgh College where he was a student at the time. Former classmate, Jordan Wilson, gave evidence that Friel told him not to come into college that day because “there will be an attack.”

He told the court that he saw Friel outside the college carrying his backpack and asked for an explanation for the messages.

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"He replied he had been bullied online, I think, and he was going to hold someone hostage in the cafeteria that day," said Mr Wilson.

"He showed me a kitchen knife he had in his bag," said the office worker.

Mr Wilson later told police that Friel said he was planning to attack the cafeteria with a knife he had brought.

Mr Wilson said he panicked and did not know how to react. Friel went to a toilet and he walked out the doors of the college and saw a classmate before returning to the building and police were contacted.

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Police Constable Mark McNulty was one of the officers who responded. He told the court that Friel had pulled out a kitchen knife and, as he brandished it above his head, one of his colleagues suffered a laceration to his shoulder.

Following Friel’s arrest over this incident, he was an inpatient at the Orchard Clinic secure unit at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital and was released into the community in June 2018.

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