Driver hoping compensation will save his life

Convicted drunk driver Sun Weiming is hoping the death sentence he was handed for killing four people will be overturned after the court takes into consideration a compensation deal he has reached with the families of those who died in Chengdu, Sichuan province.

Sun and his father, Sun Lin, negotiated for four hours with family members yesterday, and agreed that the relatives will share 1 million yuan ($146,300).

Under the terms of the deal, Sun Lin will pay the money before Aug 25. The families have agreed to then send a letter to the high court in Sichuan province, where Sun's appeal is set to be heard.