Shocking Plot to Assassinate Queen with Crossbow Ends in 9-Year Prison Sentence
A British man's audacious plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle with a loaded crossbow has resulted in a decisive nine-year prison term
Jaswant Singh Chail, a 21-year-old British man, has received a nine-year prison term for trespassing Windsor Castle with a loaded crossbow and plotting to harm Queen Elizabeth II. He was apprehended on Christmas Day 2021 while the monarch was residing at the royal residence amidst the ongoing pandemic.
Chail was believed to have successfully climbed the walls of the castle using a nylon rope ladder before being apprehended. Dressed in black attire and wearing a menacing metal mask, he menacingly informed a police officer in charge of protection, "My intention is to assassinate the Queen," prior to his arrest.
During a court hearing at London's Old Bailey in February, Chail admitted guilt to three charges, which included treason and possession of a dangerous weapon.
This undated photo, released by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on February 3, shows the crossbow that Chail was carrying when he was arrested.
Crown Prosecution Service/AP
Sentencing judge Justice Hilliard jailed him for nine years with a further five years on extended licence, the PA Media news agency reported Thursday.
"The judge stated that the defendant had entertained thoughts of committing murder, which he acted upon before experiencing a psychotic episode. It was revealed that his intention was not simply to cause harm or frighten the monarch, but to take her life."
Chail received a "hybrid order" based on the Mental Health Act, implying that he will be confined at Broadmoor high-security psychiatric hospital until he has sufficiently recovered to be transferred to a prison, as reported by PA Media.
The court was informed that Chail, who claimed to be a follower of "Star Wars," referred to himself as a "Sith" in a video he shared with approximately 20 individuals after trespassing on the castle premises. According to the UK news agency, his AI chatbot "girlfriend" allegedly influenced him to break into the castle.
The mask which Chail was wearing when he was caught in the grounds of Windsor Castle, in a photo released by the CPS.
Crown Prosecution Service/AP
The Old Bailey was informed that Chail had written in a journal about attempting to email his sister, mentioning that if he couldn't contact the sovereign, he would "settle for" the prince instead. This statement seemingly referred to then-Prince Charles, as Chail believed he was equally fitting in various aspects.
According to British media, Chail became the first individual in the UK to be found guilty of treason in more than four decades.
Chail issued an apology to the royal family through a letter submitted to the court, expressing his deep "distress and sadness." His barrister, Nadia Chbat, stated that he feels embarrassed and ashamed for bringing such dreadful and concerning incidents right to their doorstep. Chail also expressed his relief that no harm came to anyone.
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