Chinese billiard star Liang Wenbo was fined 1,380 pounds and a 96-hour social service order by Sheffield Magistrates’ Court yesterday (1st) for punching and kicking his girlfriend on the streets of the UK in July last year. No additional penalty will be imposed.
Liang Wenbo punched and kicked a girlfriend on the streets of Sheffield in July last year, and the whole process was captured on CCTV. He pleaded guilty to the court in February this year and was sentenced yesterday to £1,380 (about HK$14,200) and to complete a 96-hour community service order within 12 months. In an interview with Chinese media, he said that the person who was beaten was his friend, and the two clashed over trivial matters.
The 35-year-old Liang Wenbo, currently ranked 33 in the world, was eliminated from the top 128 in the first round of the Gibraltar Open at the end of last month. The World Billiards Association expressed disappointment after learning of the verdict. It considers the charges to be serious and is considering launching disciplinary proceedings to study whether additional penalties will be imposed.
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