A professional snooker player has been fined after he was caught on CCTV hitting and kicking a woman in the street in a “sustained and deliberate” attack.
Liang Wenbo, who is currently ranked 33rd in the world, was fined a total of £1,380 and given a 12-month community order at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Friday for a “domestic-related assault”, the Crown Prosecution Service said.
Snooker's governing body responded by saying it had not been aware of the incident, was “extremely disappointed” and was reviewing the disciplinary situation.
A CPS spokeswoman said the alarm was raised in the early hours of July 20 last year by a 999 call from a woman who was screaming in distress.
CCTV from Charles Street, in Sheffield city centre, captured Chinese citizen Wenbo, 35, and the victim having what appeared to be an argument, culminating in Wenbo repeatedly hitting and kicking her.
“Wenbo then dragged the woman to the floor and continued his assault, despite another man trying to intervene to stop him," the spokeswoman said.
“Further footage from another CCTV camera showed Wenbo pushing the woman against a wall and throwing punches towards her.”
Wenbo, of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at a previous hearing.
“Wenbo perpetrated a sustained and deliberate assault on the female victim, late at night, leaving her in great distress," Jonathan Wettreich of the prosecution said.
“He has pleaded guilty and been fined £1,380 and given a community order.
“This was an evidence-led prosecution. We will always pursue domestic abuse cases where our legal tests are met.
“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and the CPS treats such cases with the utmost seriousness.”
Snooker chiefs consider further punishment
Snooker's governing body the WPBSA said: “Wenbo has clearly been charged and found guilty of a serious offence.
“We were not aware of this incident and are very disappointed to read of such matters.
“Whilst we read that Wenbo has already been sentenced for this offence, we will now consider the position from our sport's disciplinary perspective.
“Again, we are extremely disappointed to read this news today.”
World Snooker's website says Wenbo turned professional in 2004 and has won one ranking title — the 2016 English Open. His highest world ranking is 11.
He is scheduled to compete in the qualifying rounds for this year's World Championship in Sheffield next week.
Health Valley
Founded in 2002 and set up as a foundation in 2006, Health Valley has been an innovation in healthcare for more than 10 years in Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
It serves as a place where companies, businesses, universities, healthcare providers and government agencies can collaborate, offering a platform where they can connect and work together on healthcare innovation.
Its partners work on technological innovation, new forms of diagnostics and other methods to make a difference in healthcare.
Its agency consists of eight people, four innovation managers and office managers, two communication advisers and one director. It gives innovation support to businesses and other parties in its network like a broker, connecting people with the right organisation to help them further
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The bio
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France
Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines
Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.
Favourite Author: My father for sure
Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: nine-speed
Power: 542bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: Dh848,000
On sale: now
BRAZIL SQUAD
Alisson (Liverpool), Daniel Fuzato (Roma), Ederson (Man City); Alex Sandro (Juventus), Danilo (Juventus), Eder Militao (Real Madrid), Emerson (Real Betis), Felipe (Atletico Madrid), Marquinhos (PSG), Renan Lodi (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG); Arthur (Barcelona), Casemiro (Real Madrid), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Fabinho (Liverpool), Lucas Paqueta (AC Milan), Philippe Coutinho (Bayern Munich); David Neres (Ajax), Gabriel Jesus (Man City), Richarlison (Everton), Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Willian (Chelsea).
Profile Box
Company/date started: 2015
Founder/CEO: Mohammed Toraif
Based: Manama, Bahrain
Sector: Sales, Technology, Conservation
Size: (employees/revenue) 4/ 5,000 downloads
Stage: 1 ($100,000)
Investors: Two first-round investors including, 500 Startups, Fawaz Al Gosaibi Holding (Saudi Arabia)
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
