A MAN has admitted trying to stab a woman to death in a leisure centre car park because he believed she worked at GCHQ.

       The victim was sitting in her car in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, on March 9 when the horror unfolded.

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       Joshua Bowles attacked the woman after believing she worked for GCHQ Credit: PA

       She was rushed to hospital with serious injuries - including a stab wound to her abdomen, which pierced her liver, along with another wound in the leg and one in her chest.

       Joshua Bowles was charged by detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE).

       The 29-year-old today pleaded guilty to attempted murder after stabbing and punching the woman.

       He was also accused of assaulting a man, causing him actual bodily harm.

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       Police were scrambled to Tommy Taylor’s Lane, which is just a few miles from GCHQ's headquarters, at around 9.15pm.

       Bowles travelled to the leisure centre with two knives and waited outside for the woman, who is referred to in charges by the code number "99230".

       The court heard he targeted her because "he believed she worked for GCHQ and holds views on the work they conduct" and because in his mind she "represents the state".

       Bowles also punched Alex Fuentes after being confronted in the car park of the leisure centre.

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       In a statement to police after his arrest, Bowles admitted he had been at the leisure centre to target the woman, because he believed that she worked at GCHQ.

       He said he "disagrees with the work that he says that they conduct," according to prosecutors.

       Bowles also told police that he had been suffering from mental health issues.

       He was remanded into custody ahead of sentencing on a date to be set.

       Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, said: “This extremely violent attack against two innocent people was completely unprovoked.

       “It is right that those who commit violent crimes like this should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law to protect the public, and our thoughts continue to be with the victims and their families.”

       GCHQ is the UK's intelligence, security and cyber agency.

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       The horror attack unfolded outside a leisure centre in Cheltenham