After wife's abortion, Chinese man discovers that unborn baby was his neighbour's

The abortion cost them 10,000 yuan (about Rs 1.2 lakh). (representational image: Unsplash)

A man from eastern China has been sentenced to seven months in prison after attacking his neighbour with a knife—following the discovery that his wife’s unborn child was not his, but the neighbour’s.

The incident, reported by South China Morning Post (SCMP) unfolded in Jiangxi province. The abortion cost them 10,000 yuan (about Rs 1.2 lakh) after the woman found out that she had an ectopic pregnancy, which meant that the foetus was developing outside of the uterus. Such pregnancies can cause abdominal pain, heavy bleeding and even shock, and usually require medication or surgery.

The man, however, surnamed Chen, had long suspected infidelity in his marriage, claiming he always used protection and frequently quarrelled with his wife.

His suspicions were confirmed when he found flirtatious messages between his wife and their neighbour, Shao, on her phone. Shao admitted to the affair and offered Chen 38,000 yuan (about Rs 4.6 lakh) in compensation.

But tensions escalated when Shao allegedly failed to pay the final 10,000 yuan. In February, under the influence of alcohol, Chen stormed into Shao’s home armed with a knife. He struck Shao five times in the head. Shao’s mother, who tried to intervene, sustained cuts to her forehead and hand.

Both victims suffered minor injuries, according to an official injury identification report.

The court found Chen guilty of intentional injury but acknowledged two mitigating factors: his wife’s breach of moral norms and Shao’s failure to honour the agreed settlement. Chen was sentenced to seven months in prison.

Read more: China woman sentenced to 5 years in jail has 3 babies in 4 years to avoid prison time