A 46-year-old man alleged to have shot a police officer in Siusega and then held his ex-wife hostage at gunpoint faces 12 charges including three of attempted murder, the Supreme Court was told on Monday.

Tao Liu also known as Liu Tao appeared in custody represented by Shane Wulf.

Mr Wulf requested an adjournment to obtain full instructions from his client and to make a bail application. The matter was initially adjourned to allow the prosecution to finalise charges.

Mr Wulf told the court that he needed to brief his client on what the charges were.

Tao is charged with three counts of attempted murder which include attempting to murder Constable Tapuai Pulemaave Tapuai and Constable Asomua Loau.

He is also charged for allegedly attempting to kill Constable Henry Enosa on 24 January at Si'usega.

Other charges include grievous bodily harm, armed with a dangerous weapon, two of presenting a loaded firearm, two of possession of unlawful firearms, and unregistered firearm and procured ammunition.

Tao was taken back into custody to await his next court appearance on 24 February.

When police responded to the Siusega place of business on the given date, the man allegedly opened fire at police officers injuring one and then barricaded himself inside his shop with his wife as a hostage.

After three hours of negotiations, the Chinese man released his ex-wife and turned himself in. Members of the Chinese community and officials from the Chinese Embassy were instrumental in the negotiations.