In a recent court appearance at the Old Bailey, Joshua Bowles entered a guilty plea to attempted murder charges for an attack on a US national, identified only by the code number 99230 in court documents, whom he believed worked at GCHQ.
The incident took place on March 9 at a leisure centre approximately three miles from the UK intelligence agency’s Cheltenham headquarters.
Bowles, aged 29 and residing at Welwyn Mews in Cheltenham, had also been charged with assaulting a man, Alex Fuentes, causing him actual bodily harm.
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by counter-terrorism police.
Unprovoked Knife Attack
During the attack, which occurred around 9:15 pm as the victim was leaving the leisure centre with a friend, Bowles wielded two knives.
His victim sustained multiple stab injuries and was subsequently hospitalized.
Bowles also physically assaulted Alex Fuentes in the car park of the leisure centre.
Motive and Belief About the Victim
Joshua Bowles targeted the US national, working at GCHQ at the time of the incident, believing she represented the state.
His actions were based on this unfounded belief.
Prosecution and Thoughts for Victims
Nick Price, head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, emphasized the importance of prosecuting those responsible for violent crimes like this one to protect the public.
He expressed the prosecution’s support for the victims and their families.
Upcoming Sentencing
Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb indicated that Bowles may be sentenced before the end of October.
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