The man who drove his dad’s Audi into a group of children – killing six and injuring 18 – as “revenge against society” will be executed after being handed a death sentence.
Han Jihua, 29, said he would not appeal the verdict announced by the Huludao Intermediate People’s Court, which is in north-eastern China’s Liaoning Province, on 9th July.
Video Credit: AsiaWire
Han, who has been in custody since the shocking incident on 22nd November 2018, had no criminal record and was “remorseful” during his trial, the court said.
However, it added that the “despicable” nature of his crime and the way his actions endangered public safety were “too severe to merit a reduced sentence”.
The judgement, which was seen live by more than 100 members of the public, revealed that Han had been experiencing financial troubles as well as a fractious relationship with his wife.
This triggered his “premeditated” decision to drive around and run someone over with his dad’s black Audi A6 in an act described by the court as “revenge against society”.
As a result, on 22nd November, Han saw the group of more than 60 children and their two teachers crossing the road and chose them as his target in a moment of rage.
CCTV footage outside Jianchang County No 2 Primary School shows the schoolchildren and their teachers, Wang Liuling and Ma Lan, being mown down by Han at 12:18pm local time.
The victims are strewn across the road and items of clothing are scattered on the ground as Han flees, with police arresting him within an hour.
The authorities said six children were killed and 18 were hurt during the incident. A further two adults – believed to be their teachers – were also injured.
It is unclear when Han’s execution will take place.
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Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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