Tourist spotted with pistol-like object

Hong Kong police deployed counterterrorism officers after a 36-year-old Australian tourist was spotted holding a pistol-like object on Wednesday night in the Yau Ma Tei district.

Police alerted near Shanghai Street

Officers were first alerted just after ten pm on Wednesday after the man was reportedly spotted carrying a pistol-like object in an alleyway near Shanghai Street in the Yau Ma Tei district.

Second report from bar in Jordan

About fifteen minutes later, police received a second report that the man had tried to enter a bar in the Jordan district. Local media reported he had entered to use the toilet.

Charged with two offences

The Hong Kong Police Force charged the man with one count of possession of an imitation firearm and one count of criminal damage after he damaged a wall and smoke detector while in custody at Yau Ma Tei Police Station.

“While in custody at Yau Ma Tei Police Station, he damaged a wall and a smoke detector, leading to an additional offence of criminal damage.”

Maximum two years imprisonment possible

Enshen Li, associate professor at City University of Hong Kong, said possession of an imitation firearm carries a maximum penalty of two years' imprisonment under Hong Kong's Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance.

“The judge will consider all relevant mitigating and aggravating factors when deciding the sentence.”

Case mentioned in court today

The case will be mentioned at West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of the Australian citizen.