Gu Kailai Sentenced to Suspended Death in High-Profile Poisoning Case 📰

EDIT CONTAINS 4:3 MATERIAL

Gu Kailai, wife of ousted Chinese politician Bo Xilai, has been given a suspended death sentence for poisoning British businessman Neil Heywood.

A court spokesperson read the verdict.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) TANG YIGAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HEFEI INTERMEDIATE PEOPLE'S COURT SAYING:

"The court determined that Gu Kailai is guilty of murder and sentenced her to death with a two year reprieve, with her political rights revoked for the remainder of her life."

Gu admitted to the crime earlier this month saying Heywood had threatened her son after she and Heywood argued over business matters.

Gu's sentence means she is expected to face life in jail if she doesn't commit any offences in the next two years.

The lawyer for Neil Heywood's family said his clients respect the courts decision.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) HE ZHENGSHENG, LAWYER REPRESENTING MURDER VICTIM BRITISH BUSINESSMAN NEIL HEYWOOD'S FAMILY, SAYING:

"Thank you very much for your attention, media friends. As I already said at the hearing, we respect the court's decision. Thank you everyone."

Gu's husband Bo, who was up for a top spot in China's next Communist Party leadership, is currently being investigated for alleged violations of party discipline.

After party leadership decides on those charges, he could face criminal charges related to the murder case.