Closing speeches in Chinese student murder trial

A jury in the trial of a Chinese man accused of murdering a Chinese student was told by prosecution to reject “any reality” of manslaughter and deliver a verdict of murder, at the Central Criminal Court today.

Hua Yu Feng (aged 27), of The Woods, Woodbrook Glen, Bray, Co Wicklow, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Xiang Yi Wang (aged 21), originally of Fuxing City, China, at Woodbrook Glen in Bray on July 4, 2003.

Ms Wang, known as “Linda”, had been living with a Chinese family at The Grove, Woodbrook Glen, Bray, at the time.

Prosecuting counsel Mr Patrick James McCarthy SC began his closing speech to the jury this morning. “There is evidence upon which you should convict this accused of the crime of murder,” Mr McCarthy said.

He rejected outright the “any reality” of delivering a verdict of manslaughter.

“In this particular case, the natural and probable consequences of stabbing a person seven times is that the person will die or suffer serious injury,” Mr McCarthy told the jury.

The court has heard that Ms Wang was found dead with seven deep stab wounds on the morning of July 4 in a garden near her home.

Prosecution and defence counsel are expected to conclude closing speeches today.