Gu Kailai is led into court in China's eastern city of Hefei.<br/> <br />She's facing, along with a family aide, a possible death sentence if convicted of the murder of British businessman, Neil Heywood.<br/> <br />The case has rocked China's government and destroyed the career of Gu's husband - an ambitious politician.<br/> <br />The court heard how Neil Heywood was allegedly poisoned in a hotel room last year after threatening to expose Gu's plans to shift large quantities of cash overseas.<br/> <br />She did not contest the charge and after seven hours, the court adjourned to deliberate their verdict.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) COURT OFFICIAL TANG YIGAN SAYING:<br/> <br />"During the trial, Gu Kailai was in good shape and mentally stable.<br/> <br />Gu's trial is seen by many as part of a push against her husband, Bo Xilai, a populist politburo member.<br/> <br />He made powerful enemies campaigning to join the next generation of top central leaders - a once-in-a-decade process that's currently underway.<br/> <br />It's possible Gu could escape execution in reutrn for a lengthy jail term if the court believes her claim that Heywood made threats against her son.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) COURT OFFICIAL TANG YIGAN SAYING:<br/> <br />"Gu's lawyer believes the victim's actions may have been a contributing factor, add the court official. Her judgement was impaired when she committed the crime and the court may take into consideration the fact that she exposed the others involved."<br/> <br />Bo is being detained for violating party discipline, while his wife awaits the court's verdict.<br/> <br />Joanne Nicholson, Reuters
