Man admits murdering young woman

The 22-year-old's body was found in the boot of a car

A man has been jailed for life after admitting murdering a 22-year-old woman in Belfast three years ago.

Chang Hai Zhang, 28, pleaded guilty to killing Qu Mei Na and falsely and injuriously imprisoning her.

After murdering her, the Chinese man dumped her body in the boot of a car which was discovered at a filling station in north Belfast.

Co-accused Pan Yang pleaded guilty to assisting Zhang remove Ms Na's body and other evidential items.

This had been with the intention to impede Zhang's arrest and prosecution, Belfast Crown Court heard on Monday.

Yang, 28, from the Glen Road in Belfast, had been jointly charged with the murder and false imprisonment of Ms Na, but these charges were "left on the books" following his guilty plea.

Minimum tariff

The body of Ms Na was uncovered in the boot of a car at a garage on the Antrim Road, close to Zhang's home on Skegoneill Avenue in June 2004.

Ms Na was identified by dental records. At one stage, PSNI detectives travelled to China to establish who she was.

They travelled to Dalian city in Liaoning province, north-eastern China, and were able to establish that she was the only child of elderly parents.

Jailing Zhang for life, Mr Justice Morgan adjourned setting the minimum tariff he must serve until next month when reports have been compiled on the pair.

Yang's sentencing was also adjourned for reports although the judge said that in the meantime, he would hear any bail application his defence team might have.

Mr Justice Morgan also ordered that both defendants should be given written notice regarding a possible deportation recommendation.