Prosecution Seeks 7-Year Prison Sentence at Sentencing Trial
Choi's Lawyer: "There Are Exaggerated Aspects Contrary to Facts"
Choi: "I Will Live Reflecting for Life"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The prosecution has requested a prison sentence for a taxi driver who blocked an ambulance transporting an emergency patient to the hospital.
On the 23rd, at the sentencing hearing held under Judge Lee Yoo-young of the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Division 3, the prosecution requested a 7-year prison sentence for taxi driver Choi Mo (31), who was tried on charges of special assault (intentional accident) and obstruction of business.
The prosecution stated, "The defendant initially denied all charges during the first investigation, but as the investigation continued, he submitted a handwritten statement confessing to the crime. However, in court, he showed an attitude suggesting he was not at fault for some of the offenses. This raises doubts about whether he is truly remorseful."
They added, "The defendant has 11 prior convictions for violence and has repeatedly committed similar crimes such as insurance fraud over several years. Although he was not charged with murder, the incident resulted in the death of a patient during ambulance transport, and the bereaved families still demand severe punishment," explaining the reason for the prosecution's request.
In his closing argument, Choi’s defense attorney said, "There has been some exaggeration and distortion of facts regarding the defendant due to the social issue surrounding this accident. The defendant deeply regrets the patient's death and feels sorry to the bereaved families." He further argued, "The defendant was aware that there was an actual patient and did not intentionally act as alleged."
In his final statement, Choi tearfully appealed, "I sincerely apologize to the victims." He continued, "I deeply regret causing the accident by failing to control my emotions and not yielding to an encroaching vehicle, thereby illegally obtaining insurance money. If the court shows leniency and I return to society, I will never engage in driving work again and will live honestly with lifelong remorse, with a heart to be reborn anew."
On June 8, near Godeok Station on Seoul Subway Line 5 in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, Choi caused public outrage by blocking an ambulance for about 10 minutes, demanding "handle the accident first" after a minor collision with the ambulance. The ambulance was carrying a 79-year-old stage 4 lung cancer patient who was experiencing breathing difficulties. The patient was transferred to another ambulance and taken to the hospital but ultimately passed away around 9 p.m. that day.
Choi was also indicted in July 2017 for intentionally causing an accident against a private ambulance. It was investigated that he attempted to obtain settlement money or insurance benefits from this accident but failed. Between 2015 and 2019, while working as a driver for charter buses and company taxis, he was also charged with receiving about 20 million won in settlements and medical expenses due to minor collisions.
Choi’s sentencing is scheduled for October 21.
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