3 people convicted of beating boy to death in club

Two defendants who caused the death of an 8-year-old student in a wushu club in Qingdao, Shandong Province, in June last year, were sentenced in a public trial on Thursday to life in prison and deprived of political rights for life for intentional wounding, the China Intermediate People's Court said. Qingdao in a later statement.

A third defendant involved in the case was sentenced to three years in prison with five years probation for intentional wounding.

They were also prohibited from carrying out work involving close contact with minors.

The life sentences were handed down to a man named Zhang, who managed the club, and a man named Li, who was a coach. The third defendant is the son of Zhang, the club's owner, who helped him teach.

The young victim, named Zhai, took part in training at the club. During one session, the club owner, his son and Li tied up and beat the boy because of his inappropriate movements.

When the boy was found unconscious and in a coma, he was sent to hospital for treatment. Attempts to resuscitate him failed and he died.

A forensic examination revealed that Zhai died of traumatic shock and pulmonary embolism caused by significant soft tissue damage from multiple blunt force blows.

All three accused confessed to police, the court heard.