Snooker pro Liang Wenbo fined for 'sustained' attack on woman

World number 33 caught on CCTV hitting and kicking a women in the street

Liang Wenbo competes on day three of the Cazoo UK Championship at the York Barbican last November. PA

A professional snooker player has been fined after he was caught on CCTV hitting and kicking a woman in the street in a “sustained and deliberate” attack.

Liang Wenbo, who is currently ranked 33rd in the world, was fined a total of £1,380 and given a 12-month community order at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Friday for a “domestic-related assault”, the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Snooker's governing body responded by saying it had not been aware of the incident, was “extremely disappointed” and was reviewing the disciplinary situation.

A CPS spokeswoman said the alarm was raised in the early hours of July 20 last year by a 999 call from a woman who was screaming in distress.

CCTV from Charles Street, in Sheffield city centre, captured Chinese citizen Wenbo, 35, and the victim having what appeared to be an argument, culminating in Wenbo repeatedly hitting and kicking her.

“Wenbo then dragged the woman to the floor and continued his assault, despite another man trying to intervene to stop him," the spokeswoman said.

“Further footage from another CCTV camera showed Wenbo pushing the woman against a wall and throwing punches towards her.”

Wenbo, of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at a previous hearing.

“Wenbo perpetrated a sustained and deliberate assault on the female victim, late at night, leaving her in great distress," Jonathan Wettreich of the prosecution said.

“He has pleaded guilty and been fined £1,380 and given a community order.

“This was an evidence-led prosecution. We will always pursue domestic abuse cases where our legal tests are met.

“This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and the CPS treats such cases with the utmost seriousness.”

Snooker chiefs consider further punishment

Snooker's governing body the WPBSA said: “Wenbo has clearly been charged and found guilty of a serious offence.

“We were not aware of this incident and are very disappointed to read of such matters.

“Whilst we read that Wenbo has already been sentenced for this offence, we will now consider the position from our sport's disciplinary perspective.

“Again, we are extremely disappointed to read this news today.”

World Snooker's website says Wenbo turned professional in 2004 and has won one ranking title — the 2016 English Open. His highest world ranking is 11.

He is scheduled to compete in the qualifying rounds for this year's World Championship in Sheffield next week.