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'It was hell': Gable Tostee says he wouldn't wish murder trial on anyone

Gable Tostee told a friend his two-week murder trial over the death of Warriena Wright was “hell to go through” and he “wouldn’t wish it on anyone”.

The Gold Coast carpet layer was found not guilty of the New Zealand tourist’s murder or manslaughter on Thursday.

The 26-year-old fell to her death from Mr Tostee’s apartment balcony in August, 2015, after the pair met on dating app Tinder.

Gable Tostee is relieved to be a free man after being found not guilty of murder or manslaughter on Thursday. Photo: AAP
Gable Tostee is relieved to be a free man after being found not guilty of murder or manslaughter on Thursday. Photo: AAP
Mr Tostee and Ms Wright connected on Tinder a week before her death. Photo: supplied.
Mr Tostee and Ms Wright connected on Tinder a week before her death. Photo: supplied.

“It really is hell to go through this and wouldn't wish it on anyone. Especially after one girl's life was already lost,” Mr Tostee told a friend in a text who had wished him good luck prior to the verdict.

The Daily Mail reports Mr Tostee had revealed to friends that he was keen to move from the Gold Coast following the trial, in order to start a new life.

A text Tostee reportedly sent to a friend before the verdict.
A text Tostee reportedly sent to a friend before the verdict.

“He has no interest in being on the next Celebrity Big Brother get me out of here,” a friend said.


Ms Wright fell to her death from Mr Tostee's apartment balcony in 2014.
Ms Wright fell to her death from Mr Tostee's apartment balcony in 2014.

Mr Tostee had been placed on strict bail conditions since the end of 2014, which have been likened to house arrest by those close to him.

He was banned from using Tinder as well as partying at old haunts in Surfers Paradise.

Outside court on Thursday his lawyer Nick Dore said Mr Tostee was happy with the result and relieved the matter was now behind him.

The verdict came as it was revealed the trial could’ve been derailed due to a social media post.

A female juror posted on Instagram during the trial about her experience.

“I’ve been on for 8 days and we are back again tomorrow,” she wrote.

A friend has said Gable Tostee has no interest in becoming a celebrity after the trial and is keen to move on with his life. Photo: AAP
A friend has said Gable Tostee has no interest in becoming a celebrity after the trial and is keen to move on with his life. Photo: AAP

“I’m sure you have seen the trial I am doing on the news.”

Justice John Byrne said he was disappointed the juror had communicated publicly during the trial.

“That juror will discover… many members of the public have commented on her decision to communicate with others during the course of the trial.”

The juror faces criminal investigation and could face up to two years jail.

After the verdict 7 News revealed Mr Tostee had a mock up on his phone showing a chalk outline of a body at the base of his apartment building.

The sketch was similar to the kind out outlines which feature in murder scenes in American crime fiction stories.

While eerily prescient, this fact was not included in the brief of evidence as it was considered irrelevant and probably created in jest.