Man who brandished gun in Leeds city centre for 'a laugh' to undergo medical assessment
A man who pulled out a gun in Leeds city centre “for a laugh” is to undergo a new medical assessment to decide if he is suitable for prison.
Mark Fowler has been on remand since February and is being held on a secure psychiatric wing.
The 43-year-old was arrested after he pulled the imitation weapon out on Briggate on February 19, scaring passers by.
He recently appeared at Leeds Crown Court over a video link for sentencing, but after the case was opened and mitigated, Judge Alex Menary adjourned the case until January, saying a new report was required before a decision is made.
It came after Fowler’s barrister, Stuart Field, told the court that the defendant wanted to be dealt with “in a conventional way” rather than under the Mental Health Act, meaning he faced prison rather than a hospital order.
Should he be given a hospital order, he would be detained in a psychiatric unit.
But Judge Menary put the case back to January 22 for further assistance on which option would be more suitable.
Fowler, of Ashley Terrace, Harehills, was remanded back into secure custody.
Mr Field had said the gun was actually a “toy” that had been given to Fowler as a gift, and he saw it as a “laugh” to brandish it in the city centre.
He added: “Understandably, bypassers were shocked and frightened, as most people would be.”
Fowler initially denied wrongdoing but later admitted possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or distress.
He has multiple previous convictions, including for offensive weapons.