Murdered pair 'had banked £233,000'

Published on Monday 27 April 2009 22:52

AN INTERNET betting fraudster and his girlfriend banked more than £233,000 before they were murdered in their home, a court heard yesterday.

Xi Zhou and her boyfriend Zhen Xing Yang, both 25 and Chinese nationals, were killed by a man who pretended to want to sub-let a room in their flat, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Guang Hui Cao, 30, of Morpeth, Northumberland, denies murdering the couple after robbing them last August.

Miss Zhou and Mr Yang had mobile phones and a laptop computer taken from their flat.

Mr Yang made a living from selling false educational certificates and from an internet betting scam, the jury heard.

His girlfriend earned 14,000 a year as a waitress in a city centre noodle bar, while Mr Yang's declared annual income was just 3,000. Police found 233,690 had passed through their bank accounts. But when officers searched the flat, they found just 10. Whether cash was stolen on the day was unclear.

Miss Zhou was found bound at the wrists. She had been hit on the head with a heavy weapon, possibly a hammer. A piece of towelling was stuffed into her mouth, which was taped shut.

Mr Yang was in the other bedroom, having been hit with a hammer in the face and head. His throat had been slashed.

The trial continues.