Text entered

Man convicted of Blyth murder

Northumbria Police

29 August 2008


A man has been convicted of shooting a businessman and seriously injuring a woman in Blyth earlier this year.
The incident happened on March 20 at a flat above the Dragon House Chinese Takeaway, Elliot Street, Newsham, Blyth, when Zhong Guo, 42, went to the property and shot two people in what police believe was a 'crime of passion'.
Zhong Guo today (August 29) pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court to murder, attempted murder and possession of a section one firearm. He has been remanded in custody until sentencing on September 19.
DCI Roger Ford, who led the investigation, said: "This was a calculated, cold-blooded killing of a respected businessman.
"Shahdad Pouresmaeilieh was a hard working respectable businessman in Blyth, and also a well-known figure in the business community in the region.
"Zhong Guo travelled to Blyth on the night of March 20, armed with a gun, with the clear intention of killing both Mr Pouresmaeilieh and Yung Fang Zhang. It is only through pure good fortune Yung Fang Zhang survived, despite being shot twice.
"Although she is out of hospital she remains deeply traumatised by what has happened. We could easily have been looking at a double homicide investigation.
"Although we don't know for certain Zhong Guo's motive, this appears to be a crime of passion. All three were linked in business while the killer and Yung Fang Zhang were also linked personally and he was jealous of her relationship with Mr Pouresmaeilieh.
"Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Pouresmaeilieh's family, who remain deeply upset by what has happened. They have acted with great dignity throughout this difficult time as well as helping us with the investigation.
"I'd also like to pay tribute to the Chinese community in the north east who provided us with a great deal of help and information to enable us to bring Zhong Guo to justice."