[Asia Economy Reporter Hanah Na] The director of a daycare center who repeatedly abused three 2-year-old children for reasons such as not stopping their crying was prosecuted on charges of child abuse and sentenced to a suspended prison term.
The Gwangju District Court on the 18th sentenced A (51), who was charged with violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes (aggravated punishment for child abuse by workers at child welfare facilities), to 10 months in prison with a 2-year suspension.
The court also ordered A to complete 40 hours of child abuse prevention lectures and restricted employment at child-related institutions for one year.
A was charged with physically and emotionally abusing three 2-year-old children 11 times at a daycare center in Gwangju, where A was the director, between June 2 and July 13, 2017.
A shouted at a sitting baby and struck the baby's leg hard with a book, then roughly pulled the baby's arm to make the baby fall when the baby cried.
Also, when the babies did not take naps, A forced them to lie down; if a baby cried in surprise, A lifted the baby upside down or pushed the baby to make them fall, and repeatedly hit the baby's mouth and stomach with a book.
While changing diapers, A also slapped the baby's private parts with the palm of the hand.
The court stated, "Although A, the daycare center director, bears heavy responsibility for repeatedly physically and mentally abusing multiple victims, considering that A compensated some victims' parents and is showing remorse, and has no prior criminal record."
Furthermore, the court said, "A's abusive acts did not reach a severe level. Since A closed the daycare center and a restriction order on employment is imposed, the possibility of reoffending is considered low."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
