Trial date for Queen threat

A MAN will stand trial in London next year, accused of illegally entering Windsor Castle armed with a loaded crossbow with intent to harm the Queen, a judge said last Wednesday (5).

Jaswant Singh Chail, 20, was detained in the grounds of the castle west of London on Christmas Day last year when the Queen was in residence.

He was arrested and charged with three offences, including one under the 180-year-old Treason Act of “intent... to injure the person of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, or to alarm Her Majesty”.

He allegedly told a protection officer when he was apprehended: “I am here to kill the Queen.”

Chail, who appeared at the Old Bailey central criminal court via videolink, is also charged with making a threat to kill and possession of an offensive weapon. The unemployed former supermarket worker spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth. A plea hearing will be held in December.

Judge Nigel Sweeney set a provisional trial date for March 20, 2023, and remanded Chail, from

Southampton, in custody.