A Chinese court sentences ex police chief, at the centre of China's biggest political scandal in decades, to 15 years in jail.<br/> <br />Wang Lijung was found guilty on four charges, including seeking to cover up the murder of British businessman, Neil Heywood, by fallen politician Bo Xilai's wife.<br/> <br />State television released video of the court hearing.<br/> <br />Wang spoke to apologise.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) EX-POLICE CHIEF OF CHONGQING MUNICIPALITY WANG LIJUN SAYING:<br/> <br />"I express my regrets to the court about the crimes I committed. I will use the rest of my life to repent and make it up to the system and to the sorrow and regrets I caused for people who care about me."<br/> <br />Chinese residents had mixed views on the sentence.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(Mandarin) I.T. WORKER LEO ZHANG SAYING:<br/> <br />"I think it should have been less than 15 years. The sentence was too severe. I feel it should have been lighter. As I just said, in my opinion his contribution should have counted for more"<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(Mandarin) BEIJING RESIDENT MR. DING SAYING:<br/> <br />"They give these corrupt officials too light sentences. They should sentence them harshly. They embezzle so much, what else should we do but execute them?"<br/> <br />The verdict moves the party closer to a formal decision on dealing with Bo.<br/> <br />His downfall has shaken a leadership handover due at a party congress as early as next month.
