A corrupt county official who escaped during his trial was sentenced to life in prison by Dandong City Intermediate People's Court Thursday in northeast China's Liaoning Province.

Shang Dianju, 55, was charged with accepting bribes 52 times worth about 1.2 million yuan (US$141,000).

He used his role as the Communist Party Secretary of Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County, Dandong, to grant contracts to real estate developers.

Shang was arrested on March 25 and released on bail on June 16 for medical treatment.

The planned court session on Sept. 18 was delayed because Shang managed to escape to Qingdao City of east China's Shandong Province. He was arrested again on Nov. 26 in Qingdao, and four people were also arrested by police for their role in his escape.

All his personal property was confiscated by the court and the bribes have been retrieved.

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