Gu Kailai, wife of disgraced Chinese politician Bo Xilai, sits in court as she is handed a suspended death sentence for murdering British business man Neil Heywood.

The guilty verdict was expected after Gu confessed to poisoning Heywood last November, alleging that a business dispute between the two of them led Heywood to threaten her son.

Gu solemnly accepted the court's decision.

(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) GU KAILAI, WIFE OF OUSTED CHINESE POLITICIAN BO XILAI, SAYING:

"I think the verdict is just. It fully reflects the court's special respect toward the law, reality and life,"

She is likely to face life in jail.

The scandal is also likely to derail the ambitious political career of Gu's husband Bo, also under investigation for possible corruption.

He may also face criminal charges related to the murder case.