Gu did not contest the charges brought against her at the high-profile one-day trial into the death of Mr Heywood in November 2011. According to a BBC report, suspended death sentences are usually commuted to life imprisonment in China. Gu’s aide, Zhang Xiaojun, was also jailed for nine years for his part in the murder.

Cyanide

Gu admitted premeditated murder, confessing that she lured Mr Heywood to Chongqing, procured cyanide, got him drunk, then poured the poison into his mouth. However, she also claimed she had a mental breakdown, and the court accepted she was not in full control of her actions.
According to the report, many believe that the convenient conclusion of the case -- which passes without the mention of Mr Bo’s alleged connections with the crime – results from Gu’s political connections.

Respect for law

Mr Bo -- the former party chief in Chongqing -- was once seen as a contender for a national leadership position in a top-level reshuffle scheduled for later this year. Images shown on Chinese state television showed Gu responding to the verdict. ‘This verdict is just. It shows special respect for the law, reality and life,’ she said.
A lawyer for the Heywood family said they respected the court's decision.