[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Eun-young] A man in his 20s who lured an elementary school student he met through social networking service (SNS) and sexually assaulted her was sentenced to probation.
According to the local legal community, the Daejeon District Court's 11th Criminal Division (Chief Judge Kim Yong-chan) on the 11th sentenced Mr. A (29), who was indicted on charges of statutory rape and statutory sexual assault of a minor, to three years in prison with five years of probation.
The court also ordered 200 hours of community service, 80 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures, and a three-year employment ban at child and youth-related institutions and welfare facilities for the disabled.
Mr. A approached the victim, Ms. B, who was 11 years old at the time, via SNS in October last year. Mr. A sent messages to Ms. B saying, "I live in Daejeon and have a car, so I can come," and asked to meet in Sejong City. He then went to Sejong City, put Ms. B in his car, and sexually assaulted her.
Despite learning Ms. B's age during their conversation, Mr. A forcibly raped her the next day after bringing her to his home in Dong-gu, Daejeon.
The court explained, "He sexually assaulted a victim under the age of 13 who could not properly exercise sexual self-determination. Considering the circumstances and methods of the crime, the nature of the offense is very serious," and added, "The shock experienced by the victim's family must have been very great."
However, the court also stated, "The victim appears to be attending school without major issues and seems to be regaining stability," and explained the sentencing reasons, saying, "Considering the amicable settlement and the victim's wish not to punish, the absence of prior convictions, and the defendant's remorseful attitude."
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