Neil Heywood's murder part of evidence used in Bo Xilai trial

For the first time we've heard detailed allegations and confessions which shed light on the circumstances leading up to the murder, here in China, 18 months ago, of Neil Heywood - a British business consultant.

Mr Heywood was involved with the family of a corrupt Chinese communist party leader Bo Xilai. It's claimed he helped with the running of a property company and was given shares in the firm.

Bo is now on trial accused of bribery and abuse of power. Today his wife gave video evidence claiming that Neil Heywood had threatened their son and demanded £1.4 million when a property deal went sour.

• Read: Bo sticks to his own script in corruption trial

She says she put him on a black list. There's no one in court to defend Neil Heywood against any of the allegations made about his connections with the Bo family.

Neil Heywood was found dead, apparently poisoned, in November 2011.

Last year, Bo's wife was convicted of his murder.

In court Bo Xilai has angrily rejected any suggestion he was involved; accusing his wife of being "mad" and "telling lies" while "under pressure".

Neil Heywood's killing led to today's trial and, because of Bo Xilai's senior position in the Communist Party, one of the biggest political scandals for a generation.