A fallen Chinese politician's wife who confessed to killing a British businessman is due to hear the verdict Monday in her murder trial, and Communist Party leaders may have decided against a death penalty for fear it could incite public sympathy for her.

The conclusion of Gu Kailai's trial will be a step toward closing a scandal that has rocked the Chinese leadership at a sensitive time with a handover soon of power to younger leaders. But even after the verdict is announced, questions will remain over the fate of her husband, Bo Xilai, a prominent figure who was dismissed in March as party secretary of the major city of Chongqing.

Gu is accused of killing Briton Neil Heywood, a former Bo family associate. State media say the two had a dispute over money and Heywood allegedly threatened her son. A family aide has been charged as an accessory.

Heywood's family lawyer, He Zhengsheng, said: "We wait for the court's verdict. We respect the court's decision ... I believe the ruling will be fair and just."