Police call for help on threatening emails to Adelaide school
Police have revealed threatening emails are still being sent to a school in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, more than a year after they were first reported to authorities.
Police are calling for new help in finding the person still sending threatening emails to Glenunga International High School, more than a year after they were first reported to authorities.
Senior officers are today addressing school assemblies and revealing key details in the long-running investigation in a bid to enlist new information from school staff members, students or parents.
The information being revealed includes key times the individual – who has used the online alias “Brian Cole” – has accessed a computer to send the threatening emails, key phrases used and some distinct images displaying the individual’s handwriting.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Linda Williams said police were continuing to work closely with the school community and the Education Department, along with the Australian Federal Police.
In May, an 18-year-old man was arrested and charged with several offences by detectives involved in the investigation, but the charges were later withdrawn as the investigation continued.
“This has been an incredibly dynamic investigation that has been technically complicated,’’ Williams said.
“A number of persons of interest have been identified in the investigation as it has evolved. We are now taking the step of asking the school community and the public to assist us by sharing some details of the investigation.
“These details include information about the person making the threats, their computer use habits and some images and handwriting that may be recognisable to those who know the individual.
“We are sharing these details with the school community and the wider public in the hope that someone may know this person or know someone who knows this person. Any information we receive may be a vital piece to this puzzle and help identify this person.”
They key details released today include:
- The individual making the threats used the online alias ‘Brian Cole’.
- ‘Brian Cole’ had access to a shared computer between 19 November 2024 and 13 May 2025 and was using the computer most evenings after 9pm.
- The computer has the gaming platform ‘Steam’ and the game ‘Black Myth; Wukong’.
- Between early February 2025 and 13 May 2025 the suspect used the computer almost every weeknight and had to wait for others to finish using the computer before they could use it.
- Around 13 May 2025, it is likely ‘Brian Cole’ had a change in living circumstances, maybe needing to move, which resulted in reduced access to a/the computer.
- Since 13 May 2025, it is believed ‘Brian Cole’ has returned to use the computer a number of times, sometimes with gaps of three weeks, down to weekly. Again, using the computer only after 9pm on these occasions.
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Williams said several distinct images with the suspect’s handwriting may be recognised by someone at the school or a member of the public.
One image is of a spider incorporated into the school logo and another depicting the logo constructed of the spiders’ broken legs. Another image showed two common pantry condiments – maple syrup and honey – pictured with a handwritten note.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
