Across China: Liaoning

Leniency after knife killing

A Chinese shoe polisher has escaped jail despite being convicted of using excessive force in the killing of an AIDS patient.

Qiu Fusheng was said to have acted in self-defence following an argument over his services, the Intermediate People's Court in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, heard. The court yesterday convicted Qiu of intentional homicide but showed leniency after hearing Qiu acted in self-defense after he was attacked by Guan Lihong, a drug addict. Qui has agreed compensation with Guan's family.