Gunman who pointed weapon at shop worker on Leeds' Briggate 'for a laugh' is detained

Mark Fowler was found to be “floridly psychotic”, brought on by combination of mental-health issues and his use of illicit drugs, Leeds Crown Court was told.

The court heard that on the morning of February 19 last year, at around 11.30am, a shop worker had stepped outside on a busy Briggate during her break.

She made eye contact with Fowler, who was holding a silver pistol with a silencer attached.

He lifted it up, aimed at the woman and pulled the trigger before shouting: “F*** you security.”

The woman said she “froze to the spot”. Fowler then ran off towards Trinity pursued by a security guard.

Once arrested, the gun was assessed and found to be a realistic-looking imitation.

In an alarming police interview, the 44-year-old admitted pointing the weapon towards the woman and said he got enjoyment from making the public feel fearful. He said he hoped the shop worker on Briggate was “sh***** herself”.

He was held on remand but his odd behaviour led to him being taken to a secure hospital.

He admitted a charge of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or distress.

Fowler, of Ashley Terrace, Harehills, suffers from schizoaffective disorder and elements of antisocial personality disorder.

A 55-page medical report was prepared on his behalf, suggesting a hospital order was the most suitable solution.

This came after Fowler’s barrister, Stuart Field, had said during a previous hearing that his client had wanted to be dealt with a prison sentence, rather than under the Mental Health Act.

Mr Field had said the gun was actually a toy that had been given to Fowler as a gift, and saw it as a “laugh” to brandish it in the city centre.

Judge Alex Menary gave him an 18-month sentence, but said he must be detained under a hospital order under Section 45, meaning he will be treated until he is deemed fit enough to be transferred to prison.