Twenty-two year old Gabrielle Friel been found guilty under the Terrorism Act of possessing weapons including a crossbow, crossbow arrows and a machete.
He wss found guilty by a majority verdict.
However, Friel was cleared of another charge alleging he wanted to carry out a “spree killing”. The jury at the High Court in Edinburgh found the charge that he was motivated by incel (involuntary celibate) ideology not proven.
Assistant Chief Constable Patrick Campbell, of Police Scotland, welcomed the verdict. He described Friel as a “dangerous, socially isolated and disaffected individual” and said the consequences of his actions could have been “catastrophic”.
ACC Campbell, Police Scotland’s Assistant Chief Constable for Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism and Intelligence, said: “Gabrielle Friel is a potentially dangerous and disaffected individual and Police Scotland welcomes the outcome of this case as the consequences of his actions could have been catastrophic.
“I sincerely thank the health and social care professionals and the Police Scotland officers involved in what was an extremely complex and challenging investigation. Their actions contributed to an early intervention and, undoubtedly prevented him undertaking an act that threatened the safety of our communities.
“This was an unprecedented case and the charges libelled by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service underlines the severity of Friel’s intentions.
“Police Scotland remains absolutely committed and focussed on protecting our citizens and working closely with partners to achieve this by delivering the multi-agency Prevent Strategy.
“We can’t do this alone and we also need the help of families, friends and the wider public.
“I know it can be a big step, particularly when we are referring to terrorism. But if you think that a family member or a friend is being radicalised, displaying extremist views or becoming involved in terrorist activity you should contact Police Scotland. Officers will work alongside other public protection partners to safeguard that individual and the public.
“By working together effectively, we will also help to safeguard individuals who have been identified as being vulnerable to radicalisation or being drawn into extremism.
“Anyone who has concerns should contact Police Scotland or the confidential anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321. There is helpful and confidential advice available at the ACT Early Counter Terrorism Policing website.”
During the trial Gabrielle Friel admitted he was ‘addicted’ to the topic of mass killing but denied wanting to cause such an event himself.
Mr Friel, giving evidence in his own defence at the High Court, said he became interested in mass shootings when in high school, where he was badly bullied, adding: “I can’t seem to get out from it. It’s like an addiction, basically.”
Mr Friel said he wanted to draw attention to himself but denied intending to carry out an actual attack.
“If only I can show the whole world how I feel, my pain. I would do this kind of stuff but I wouldn’t do it in real life,” he said.
Mr Friel said he bought weapons including a crossbow, bolts and a machete, as well as body armour, in summer 2019 as he wanted to provoke police to shoot him.
He denied the plan was connected to any ideology. “I can’t handle these violent fantasies in my mind. My life sucks basically. I was really depressed,” he told the court – but he denied he planned a mass killing spree.
