Couple in Canberra Accused, Convicted for Violent assault over Unsettled Gambling Obligation
In a shocking turn of events, Ziantao Shang and Wengao Zheng, two individuals, have been found guilty of aggravated burglary and two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm in relation to a severe assault on a Canberra couple.
The incident, which occurred at a Belconnen apartment, was an attempt by Shang and Zheng to recover a gambling debt of AU$125,000. However, they had targeted the wrong couple, who suffered cuts, bruises, and a fractured nose during the assault.
The trial revealed that Zheng had lied about being ex-special forces to intimidate the couple during the attack. On the other hand, Shang pleaded not guilty, with his barrister arguing that the conflict was initiated by the other parties, allowing Shang to act in self-defence. This defense was, however, not accepted by the court.
Zheng also claimed that the female victim had attacked Shang with a meat cleaver, but this evidence was rejected by the judge. Shang remains on bail and is scheduled for sentencing in September.
The attack was instigated as Ziantao Shang and Wengao Zheng were trying to find a woman named Linda, who they believed owed them a six-figure sum in gambling debts. They even used a third person as a proxy to avoid alerting Linda of their identities. It was later discovered that Linda had stayed at the apartment two days before the assault.
The male victim, who could not explain the situation in English during his call to emergency services, did not initially realize that Linda was the target of the attack. The property in question was being used to offer massage services. Linda was alleged to be offering sexual services at the Canberra apartment.
The victims did not know Linda's Chinese name, adding to the confusion during the attack. The two men pushed the woman against a wall before assaulting the couple.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of debt-related violence and the importance of due process in the legal system. Both Shang and Zheng will face sentencing in September, with the hope that justice will be served.
This incident involving Ziantao Shang and Wengao Zheng, who were found guilty of aggravated burglary and assault, was not just a general news story but also linked to casino-and-gambling activities and crime-and-justice matters. The pair, who targeted a Canberra couple in an attempt to recover a gambling debt, instigated the attack due to a six-figure sum owed by a woman believed to be offering sexual services at the apartment, where massage services were also offered.
