Man admits murder of 'love rival'

Zhong Guo was said to have been jealous of the couple he shot

A man has pleaded guilty to murdering a Northumberland businessman in a killing police dubbed a "crime of passion".

Shahdad Pouresmaeilieh, 44, was shot in the head in a flat above the Dragon House takeaway in Blyth in March.

Partner Yung Fang Zhang, 45, survived, despite being shot twice by Zhong Guo, who she once had a relationship with.

Zhong admitted murder, attempted murder and firearms offences at Newcastle Crown Court and was remanded in custody until sentencing on 19 September.

A post-mortem examination revealed Mr Pouresmaeilieh died from a single gunshot wound to the head.

It is only through pure good fortune Yung Fang Zhang survived Det Ch Insp Roger Ford

The court heard Mr Pouresmaeilieh was hard-working, respectable and well-known in the local business community.

Chinese-born Zhong, of no fixed abode, travelled to Blyth on the night of 20 March, armed with a gun, with the intention of killing both Mr Pouresmaeilieh and his partner.

Det Ch Insp Roger Ford, who led the investigation, said: "This was a calculated, cold-blooded killing of a respected businessman.

"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."