A CHINESE couple involved in a football betting scam who were murdered in their own flat had received a series of threats over the internet before their deaths, a court heard today.

Xi Zhou and her boyfriend Zhen Xing Yang, both 25, were found with horrific injuries in August last year in Newcastle.

Guang Hui Cao, a 31-year-old restaurant worker, denies murdering them both.

At the start of his defence, the jury was told that Mr Yang, known as Kevin, placed adverts on Mandarin language websites seeking to recruit people to watch football matches in the UK and South America.

Adverts were also placed in his girlfriend's anglicised name, Cici, asking for people to send live information from games, Newcastle Crown Court heard.

Paul Sloan QC, defending, said: "Messages were placed on the internet prior to their deaths complaining about the activities of Kevin Yang and Cici, in such terms as "Cici has been deceitful".

""Give me the money as soon as possible."

""It has been three weeks. You do not even answer the phone, you liar.""

The internet-writer threatened to reveal the couple's mobile phone and e-mail addresses online.

The messages continued: "Don't let people be fooled. Ask for money in advance.

"I feel angry again.

"I made another phone call to them, I shouted to them and asked them to watch out.

"I'm sure I can find them.

"I ask them wait there (sic), I will find you.

"I went to Newcastle and couldn't find him.

"I'm not happy. You will see who's the good guy."

Mr Sloan said: "These are examples of messages that were posted on the internet."

Cao started to give evidence from the witness box and told the jury he left China in 2001 after being sacked and beaten up because of his religious beliefs.

He will continue to give evidence on Monday, and the case was adjourned until then.