Beijing, Nov 27 (IANS): A court in Beijing Wednesday upheld the verdict against a teenage son of a military singer who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a woman in September.

Li Tianyi, 17-year-old son of singer Li Shuangjiang, 74, was among five men convicted of gang-raping a woman in a Beijing hotel Feb 7, which generated huge public outcry and heated controversy, reports Xinhuia.

Li Tianyi was sentenced for 10 years in prison by the Beijing Municipal Haidian District People's Court Sep 26 on charges of gang rape. He lodged an appeal through his lawyer Oct 10 to the Beijing Municipal No.1 Intermediate People's Court.

The case was heard in a private session Nov 19 to protect Li Tianyi's rights as a juvenile. Defence lawyers insisted on the innocence of Li Tianyi, the court said.

The court rejected Li Tianyi's appeals, and said the verdict delivered by the Haidian District People's Court was based on ample evidence and was in accordance with the law.

The singer Li Shuangjiang taught at the Academy of Arts affiliated with the Chinese armed forces. His wife is also a well-known singer.