HONG KONG - An Australian man appeared in a Hong Kong court Monday charged with the murder of a city taxi driver.

Kelsey Lord Michael Mudd, aged 22, appeared at Eastern Magistrates' Court charged with the murder of the 58-year-old driver in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Mudd, dressed in a navy blazer, checked shirt and khaki trousers, confirmed his name and did not enter a plea during the short hearing.

He wore a surgical mask in the dock, and cuts were clearly visible on his face. Mudd's parents both attended court.

His request for bail was turned down and the case was adjourned until a later date.