Reservist tries to shoot an Arab

War veteran's trial is adjourned for a while because of a mental health assessment

The man, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, mistook a woman for a terrorist

A war veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan has appeared in court charged with attempted murder after he allegedly opened fire on a woman he thought was a terrorist. The man, who is in his 20s, was arrested after he allegedly fired several shots at the woman in a busy street. The woman was not injured.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday. He spoke only to confirm his name, address, and date of birth. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at the Old Bailey on 18 December.

The court heard that the man suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has a history of mental health problems. His lawyer told the court that the man had been suffering from flashbacks and nightmares since returning from Afghanistan. He said that the man had been receiving treatment for PTSD but had not been taking his medication at the time of the incident.

The judge ordered a psychiatric assessment of the man. He said that the assessment would help to determine whether the man was fit to plead and whether he should be held in a secure psychiatric unit.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone has been exposed to a traumatic event, such as war or a natural disaster. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, and difficulty sleeping.

According to the NHS, PTSD affects around 1 in every 10 people who have been exposed to a traumatic event. The condition is more common in people who have served in the military or who have been victims of violence or abuse.

Treatment for PTSD can include therapy, medication, and support groups. Therapy can help people to understand their symptoms and to develop coping mechanisms. Medication can help to reduce the severity of symptoms. Support groups can provide people with a sense of community and help them to feel less isolated.