Japanese yakuza mobster sentenced to death

A court in south-western Japan has sentenced the head of a powerful crime syndicate to death by hanging.

The court in the city of Fukuoka found that Nomura Satoru, aged 74, had ordered four assaults, one of which resulted in death.

The verdict came despite a lack of direct evidence against Nomura, local media said. He denied any involvement.

It is believed to be the first time a senior member of Japan’s mafia, the yakuza, has been sentenced to death.