HONG KONG, China – In a dramatic turn of events, Inspector John Franklin Barnes testified in a criminal trial about a confrontation with an armed robber in Des Voeux-road Central on January 2, as reported by the South China Morning Post on March 27, 1963. The inspector fired multiple shots at the armed robber, who then disappeared into a crowd, leaving Inspector Barnes without a clear sight of him. The confrontation took place in the vicinity of Pottinger-street and Des Voeux-road Central, where Inspector Barnes encountered two Chinese men, one armed with a revolver and the other carrying a large brown leather bag, being chased by armed policemen.
During the trial, it was revealed that the armed robber, Chan Ngan, unexpectedly pleaded guilty to stealing $130,160 from a cashier on the day of the incident. The trial also saw the testimony of police officers who had participated in the chase, including Police Constable Lau Man-cham, who shot and killed one of the robbers. Inspector Barnes, among others, chased Chan along Des Voeux-road Central during the pursuit.
The incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in carrying out their duties and the challenges of apprehending armed suspects. Inspector Barnes’ testimony provides a firsthand account of the intense pursuit and the difficulty of apprehending a criminal in a crowded urban environment.
As the trial continues, the court will weigh the evidence and testimony presented to determine the outcome of the charges against Chan Ngan. The incident will also serve as a critical reminder of the risks and complexities involved in addressing armed criminal activity in urban settings.
In summary, Inspector John Franklin Barnes provided crucial testimony in a trial involving an armed robbery in Des Voeux-road Central, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in pursuing armed suspects in crowded urban environments. The dramatic turn of events, including the unexpected guilty plea from the accused, underscores the complexities of addressing armed criminal activity. The trial continues as the court evaluates the evidence and testimony presented.