Freed woman won't appeal over verdict, and thanks party and supporters

Deng Yujiao, the waitress freed after killing an official from a Hubei town who had forced himself on her, said she would not appeal against the verdict.

A Xinhua report described Ms Deng, 21, as relieved and grateful after hearing the Badong County People's Court decision that although she was guilty of intentionally causing bodily harm, she could go free because of mitigating factors. Ms Deng reportedly 'burst into tears' and thanked the Communist Party and her supporters.

'Thanks go to the party and the government, and thanks to all those who cared about me,' Ms Deng was quoted as saying. 'I will do more good things to reciprocate the good acts of the government and society.' Upon leaving the court she also whispered to her mother, asking if she could go shopping, Xinhua said.

In an interview with the Guangzhou-based Southern Metropolis Daily at her home, Ms Deng's grandfather, Deng Zhenglan , a retired court official, rejected earlier claims that Ms Deng was raped during the assault.

When asked about the verdict, Ms Deng said: 'I was a little bit surprised.'

The family said they had expected a suspended prison sentence. Xinhua said Ms Deng's mother, Zhang Shumei, apologised to the family of Deng Guida , the dead official.