40s Fined for Continuously Sending Obscene Messages to Female Acquaintance

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kang Juhee] A man in his 40s was fined for continuously sending obscene messages and photos to a woman he knew.

The Cheongju District Court Criminal Division 4 (Judge Kim Ryong) announced on the 14th that it sentenced Mr. A (44), who was indicted without detention on charges of violating the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes and Protection of Victims, to a fine of 3 million won and ordered him to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program.

The court stated, "The defendant admitted to the investigative agency that he sent text messages and called the victim multiple times," and added, "Considering the circumstances, number, and time of the calls, it is reasonable to conclude that he repeatedly caused sounds that induced anxiety to reach the victim."

However, the court explained the sentencing reasoning, saying, "Considering that the defendant deeply reflects on his crime, it is believed that attending the sexual violence treatment lectures alone can prevent recidivism, so the order to disclose and notify personal information was not imposed."

Mr. A was brought to trial on charges of sending obscene messages and photos of his genitals to Ms. B, a woman he knew, from March to May of last year. During this period, the number of messages and calls Mr. A sent to Ms. B reached 113.

Mr. A denied the charges in court, claiming that the contacts were due to a mistake in operating his mobile phone device, but the court did not accept his claim.