A POLICE constable who sparked off a massive search after walking out of an armoury with a sub-machinegun, two revolvers and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition without authority, was yesterday sent to Siu Lam Psychiatric Centre for two years.
Kwong Sze-wing, 27, who was unable to give any rational reasons for the theft, was found to have been suffering from a mental disorder rooted in severe matrimonial problems that ended with his wife and young son leaving him.
The High Court heard that while Kwong, who had an exemplary record, was wandering around Kowloon with the arsenal in his knapsack after spending hours sleeping under a flyover, the police mounted a 16-hour operation and deployed a helicopter in a bid to find him.
Kwong had pleaded guilty to one count each of theft and possession of arms and ammunition without a licence and sentencing was deferred until yesterday for psychiatric reports.
Making the hospital order, Deputy Judge Jones said he was sympathetic.
He noted that Kwong joined the police force in 1984 and had passed his sergeant's examination in 1988 before he was transferred to the marine police in 1989.
During his service, he received 10 commendations from his superiors and he was praised for his courage, diligence, professional ability and devotion to his duty.
