A Chinese national has been convicted by the Lae District Court on multiple charges, including illegal discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, and assault. The court also revoked his K12,000 bail, which had been granted only days earlier. Mr. Li Deshang, 56, originally from Guangxi Province in China, appeared before Magistrate Nasiling Bingtau, who found him guilty on all charges after reviewing the evidence presented. Li was transported from Buimo Prison for the proceedings, where the charges were read and interpreted in court. Although he pleaded not guilty through his legal representative, Philemon Yama of Myles Legal Service, the court proceeded to deliver a summary judgment. Yama argued that his client acted in self-defence during the incident and that the firearm, which belonged to someone else, was only in his possession temporarily. He also insisted that a full trial was necessary for Li to properly contest the charges. Police prosecutor Senior Constable Emma Waliu refuted the defense's claims, stating that Li was intoxicated during the incident and had no license to possess or use the weapon. She argued there was no credible threat to his safety that justified his actions. Magistrate Bingtau ruled that the evidence did not support claims of self-defense and emphasized that Li had acted recklessly while under the influence of alcohol. He said the circumstances did not warrant a full trial and suggested that the defense consider appealing the verdict in the National Court. Speaking outside court, Yama confirmed he would discuss the possibility of an appeal with his client. According to police reports, the incident occurred on April 15 in Eriku, Lae, where Li discharged a firearm during an altercation with two business associates. Li remains in custody and will reappear in court on May 7th for sentencing submissions.