A MAN who kidnapped a hotel maid in an attempt to force police to give him a gun to commit suicide was sentenced to six years in prison, the Minhang District People's Court said yesterday.

The man, Li Qiang, got a room at a hotel in Huacao Town on December 12 with the intention of using a knife to kill himself. But Li later told police he didn't have the guts to do it.

Li said he got the idea of using a gun while watching a TV series about war.

Li took a hotel maid hostage, binding her hands with a wire hanger.

After police arrived, Li threatened to kill the hostage and himself if they didn't give him a gun and six bullets, the court heard. Police broke into the room, seized Li and rescued the hostage, who was slightly injured.

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