Australian Exchange Student Testifies in Taiwan Poisoning Trial
An Australian man who required a medical evacuation from Taiwan after allegedly being poisoned by his lover has given crucial testimony in court. Alex Shorey, a 23-year-old exchange student from Toowoomba, Queensland, took the stand against his former partner, Yang, a widow in her 40s, who faces charges of attempted murder.
Alleged Poisoning Incident in Taipei
The case centres on events from March 2023, when Mr Shorey was studying in Taipei. Prosecutors allege that Yang slipped superwarfarin, a potent rat poison, into his food and beverages after he expressed a desire to cut short his time in Taiwan. This substance is known to cause severe internal bleeding and can be fatal if ingested.
Mr Shorey described the early stages of their relationship as pleasant, but tensions arose when Yang took his passport, preventing him from accessing funds sent by his family. The situation escalated in March 2023 after Mr Shorey revealed plans to return home in April due to academic and financial pressures.
Severe Health Symptoms and Hospitalisation
Just two days after their discussion, Mr Shorey began experiencing alarming symptoms, including:
- Persistent diarrhoea and abdominal pain
- Frequent vomiting and nosebleeds
- Blood present in his urine
- Blood spots appearing on his skin and tongue
He recalled drinking a glass of grape juice from Yang that tasted unusual. Prosecutors assert that Yang intentionally contaminated his meals and drinks to make him ill, forcing him to remain in Taiwan under her care.
Medical Interference and Further Poisoning
During his initial hospital admission, Mr Shorey claimed that Yang repeatedly interrupted doctors, insisting they speak to her in Chinese for translation rather than communicating directly with him in English. After his release in early April, while still weak, Yang took him into her care.
He was rushed back to hospital on April 16 and placed in intensive care after allegedly consuming a grass jelly drink she provided. His mother, who had flown to Taiwan to assist, discovered an empty rat poison container in Yang's wardrobe on May 1 while packing her son's belongings.
Medical Evacuation and Legal Proceedings
Mr Shorey was evacuated to Australia via medevac flight on May 3, 2023. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office stated that although he survived, he endured immense suffering and was at constant risk of fatal bleeding. They described Yang's actions as extremely malicious with no mitigating factors.
Mr Shorey returned to Taiwan this week to testify, appearing in court wearing a suit and black hygiene mask. Yang attended in a black hoodie and face mask, keeping her features concealed. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of at least eight years if she is convicted.
Connection to Previous Death Investigation
In a surprising development, the brother of Yang's late husband, a British national who died mysteriously in December 2022, appeared in court. He pleaded with authorities to reopen his brother's case, appearing dishevelled and emotionally charged.
Yang was previously investigated for her husband's death after he succumbed to a urinary tract infection, but prosecutors dropped the case in January due to insufficient evidence. They could not determine if he had ingested any toxin after reviewing autopsy and medical records. The death was only reinvestigated after Yang's arrest in connection with Mr Shorey's case.
It is understood that the British man had moved to Taiwan with Yang years earlier and had lost contact with his family. The case continues to unfold as the court examines the evidence against Yang.
