Prosecutors Demand 7-Year Prison Sentence in Appeal for Taxi Driver Who Blocked Ambulance: "Severe Offense"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] The prosecution has requested a 7-year prison sentence in the appellate trial for a taxi driver who blocked an ambulance transporting an emergency patient to the hospital.

On the 24th, at the Seoul Eastern District Court Criminal Appeals Division 3 (Presiding Judge Kim Chun-ho), during the sentencing hearing of taxi driver Choi Mo (32), the prosecution asked the court to impose the same 7-year prison sentence as in the first trial.

The prosecution explained the reason for the sentence, stating, "The defendant repeatedly committed insurance fraud over several years," and added, "Considering the duration, method, and motive, the nature of the crime is severe." They continued, "Although a settlement was made, it was mostly with the insurance company, and due to the crime, the patient being transported died," adding, "Considering these points, the original sentence was too lenient." Previously, in October last year, Choi was sentenced to 2 years in prison in the first trial.

Choi is accused of deliberately causing a collision with an ambulance on a road in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, on June 8 last year, and blocking its path for about 10 minutes while saying, "Handle the accident first. If the patient dies, I will take responsibility." At that time, 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 is also accused of taking advantage of minor collisions as a pretext to collect over 20 million won in settlements and medical expenses in six instances between 2015 and 2019 while working as a driver for charter buses, company taxis, and trucks.

At the hearing, Choi said, "I stand here because of bad habits developed while driving," and added, "I will pay for my crimes, deeply reflect, and live a life that helps society and others."

Meanwhile, the police are also investigating the case in which the patient's family filed a complaint against Choi on nine charges, including murder. The family has also filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages for the mental suffering they endured.

Choi's sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 12.