Joshua Bowles, a former British cyberespionage employee, was arrested on Monday to life in prison for attempted murder after stabbing an American intelligence worker.
The woman who was stabbed was identified in court only by code number 99230 and worked for the National Security Agency, which spies on electronic communications for the US.
Bowles Arrested for Attempted Murder
BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 01: A demonstrator wears handcuffs following his arrest after he took part in a protest against government lockdown measures on May Day during the novel coronavirus crisis on May 1, 2020 in Berlin, Germany. May Day protests are taking place across Germany today, though as gatherings are limited by authorities to a maximum of 20 people per gathering due to coronavirus lockdown measures, many small protests are taking place instead of traditional, large-scale marches.
Bowles punched the woman and stabbed her with a knife repeatedly after she left the gym on March 9 in the western England town of Cheltenham.
According to Steve Bunn, who helped stop the attack, Bowles said, "I've just tried to kill her." He even mocked Bunn and added that at least he did not have a gun, as it would make him a pretty terrorist.
Prosecutor Duncan Penny concluded that the attack happened due to the role of the woman with the NSA.
Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb in London's Central Criminal Court said the attack was politically motivated, driven by anger and resentment towards GCHQ and women. The judge said Bowles' recent Internet searches showed white supremacy, Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski, and attacks on women.
"He was disgusted by the manner in which they gather information and use things against people," Bunn said.
According to ABC News, the police reported that Bowles confirmed that the woman was a symbolic target as American intelligence represents the most prominent contributor within the intelligence community.
Bowles was arrested and will serve at least 13 years in prison before any chance at early release.
Defense attorney Tim Forte said Bowles had earnest regret, remorse, and shame at his actions. Forte explained that Bowles was not a terrorist, but he was depressed about being rejected by another former American co-worker he liked and was only trying to hurt GCHQ.
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Woman Traumatized After Stabbing Incident
The woman recovered after being hospitalized with several cuts to her abdomen, chest, and thigh. She said that the incident gave her trauma and admitted that the incident completely changed her life.
She said she even felt sick by using Bowles' name in every statement.
"Following the attack, I went from being in the best shape I had ever been to being the weakest I have ever been," she said.
She shared that Bowles seemed to hate her since his focus was on her intensely. She was thankful that Alex Fuentes, a man on his way to play soccer, intervened in the attack, followed by Bunn, and now she was still alive.
Detective Chief Superintendent Olly Wright, head of counter-terrorism policing, said that the intervention saved the woman's life.
An NSA spokesperson said the agency would continue to safeguard their employees and provide support to the victim.
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