During the two-day sentence hearing at the NSW Supreme Court, Weiji He, who pleaded guilty to the murder of his girlfriend Liqun Pan, appeared in a wheelchair, wearing his prison greens. The court heard that He plans to argue that he had a severe mental impairment at the time of the murder in order to reduce his moral culpability and ultimately seek a lesser sentence. Pan, a 19-year-old Chinese international student studying English in Australia, was found stabbed to death in the Wolli Creek apartment she shared with He on June 28, 2020. He was found seriously injured after falling from the apartment block a day earlier and spent seven months in a coma before being charged with Pan’s murder.
The defense plans to present psychological evidence in court regarding the circumstances of He’s actions, specifically focusing on whether his actions were a result of drug-induced psychosis or a significant mental illness. Justice Julia Lonergan indicated that the issue at hand is determining whether He’s behavior was a result of temporary intoxication or a more longstanding mental illness. The crown also raised concerns about He’s accuracy in reporting relevant information and suggested that submissions will be made about his ability to use a frame to walk around during his recovery. In June 2022, He underwent a mental fitness inquiry to assess his ability to stand trial.
Pan and He had been in a relationship for two years and had traveled to Australia together to study. The tragedy unfolded when Pan was found dead inside their apartment, while He was found seriously injured after falling from the balcony. He remained in a coma for seven months before being charged with murder. The court proceedings highlighted the complex nature of the case, with the defense emphasizing He’s mental state at the time of the murder in an attempt to mitigate his sentence. The crown raised concerns about He’s credibility in reporting relevant information, which may impact the court’s assessment of his mental state and culpability.
The case of Weiji He and Liqun Pan sheds light on the challenges of addressing mental health issues within the criminal justice system. He’s decision to plead guilty to murder while claiming a severe mental impairment presents a complex legal and ethical dilemma for the court. The court will need to carefully consider the psychological evidence presented by the defense, as well as the crown’s concerns about He’s credibility and ability to accurately report relevant information. The tragic outcome of Pan’s murder and He’s subsequent injury highlight the devastating consequences of untreated mental health issues, particularly in cases involving intimate partner violence.
As the sentencing hearing continues, the court will be tasked with weighing the evidence presented by both the defense and the crown in determining an appropriate sentence for He. The outcome of the case will have implications for how the justice system addresses cases involving individuals with mental health issues, particularly in cases of intimate partner violence. The tragic loss of Liqun Pan and the legal complexities surrounding He’s mental state serve as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support for individuals who may be at risk of engaging in harmful behavior. The court’s decision in this case will have far-reaching implications for how mental health issues are addressed within the criminal justice system.
