Troubled barrister loses clothes

Troubles continue to hound suspended barrister Roderick Murray, 46, who told Tsuen Wan Court yesterday he had to buy clothes for his court appearance because his belongings had been stolen.

Murray, who wore a blue shirt and khaki pants, faces charges of criminal damage, assaulting police and overstaying. He apologised to Principal Magistrate Tong Man for not wearing a suit. 'May I also apologise for my casual wear,' he said. 'My luggage was stolen and these were bought in Wan Chai at a sample sale.' At his July 8 appearance he wore a shirt and pants that looked like hospital gowns.

Murray is accused of damaging three chairs worth $1,860 in a McDonald's restaurant in Mui Wo on Lantau on July 6 and assaulting two police. It is alleged he came to the city as a visitor in January and was required to leave at the end of June.

The prosecution applied for a two-week adjournment for further inquiries. Murray also told the magistrate he wanted time to prepare and to get a medical report from Queen Mary Hospital.

Murray did not enter a plea and was released on $1,100 bail. The case was adjourned until August 19.

Murray said outside court his mobile phone and luggage were stolen after he checked out of the Silvermine Beach Hotel and was travelling to stay with a friend.