Former international soccer player Gao Feng was yesterday given a seven-month prison sentence, suspended for one year, for assaulting a taxi driver outside a hotel.
The 44-year-old ex-striker and his three accomplices — TV host Qiu Qiming, actor Nie Yuan and scriptwriter He Mu, all of whom were also given suspended prison terms of seven or eight months — were tried at the Huangpu District People's Court.
The four were found guilty of assaulting Zhao Gun on March 9 outside the Jin Jiang Tower hotel. After attending a party at the venue, Qiu left the building about 5:25am, the court heard.
Though there were several taxis waiting outside, none of the drivers were prepared to take his fare. A quarrel ensued and tempers flared.
According to prosecutors, Qiu send a text message to his friends who were still inside the hotel and they joined him outside. By this time, Zhao was alone and the dispute became violent.
The four friends punched and kicked the cabby, while Gao hit him with a chair, the court heard.
They then fled the scene leaving Zhao lying on the sidewalk. His injuries included a fractured eye socket.
As well as the suspended prison terms, the four attackers were ordered to pay Zhao compensation of 500,000 yuan ($78,000).
