Story By: John Feng, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

Video Credit: AsiaWire

This drunk arsonist who burned down a karaoke bar and killed 18 people after a waitress rejected his advances has been sentenced to death.

Liu Chunlu, who was aged 32 at the time of his arrest in April last year, parked his motorcycle in front of the business named Languifang KTV before pulling out its fuel hose and setting ablaze the leaking petrol.

The fire on 24th April 2018 spread quickly through the lobby of the crowded karaoke bar, causing 18 deaths and leaving four people injured.

Pictures Credit: AsiaWire

Officials say two of the injured patrons suffered serious burn injuries during the incident in the city of Yingde, which under the administration of the prefecture-level city Qingyuan in South China’s Guangdong Province.

Authorities have since revealed Liu had approached a waitress at the bar, but he became frustrated when she turned down his advances.

And in footage of Liu’s arrest, he admits to starting the fire, saying he “had too much to drink” and “got into a fight”.

Qingyuan Intermediate People’s Court found Liu guilty of arson, causing the deaths of 18 people, and sentenced him to death.

Video Credit: AsiaWire

The court stated that although he admitted to committing the crime, he did not deserve leniency.

Liu’s legal team appealed the sentence, but Guangdong Higher People’s Court said it rejected the motion and would uphold the decision.

A statement on 18th June said the court would put forward the death sentence verdict to the Supreme People’s Court in Chinese capital Beijing.

Dates for Liu’s final sentencing have yet to be announced.

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