Court hears drinks boss' appeal

FOSHAN, Guangdong: Evidence seen as favorable to the fortunes of Zhang Hai, the former beverage tycoon who was sentenced to 15 years in prison last year, was presented at the Guangdong People's High Court yesterday.

Zhang, the 35-year-old former CEO and president of drinks firm Jianlibao, was sentenced last February by the Foshan Intermediate People's Court for embezzling 206 million yuan ($29 million) during his time with the company. Zhang appealed that decision.

The Guangdong People's High Court ordered the lower court in Foshan to hear the appeal since Zhang is still at the Foshan detention house.