[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Jumi Lee] A man in his 50s who exposed major parts of his body and forcibly molested a karaoke hostess was sentenced to probation.
The 11th Criminal Division of the Gwangju District Court (Presiding Judge Jeong Ji-seon) announced on the 25th that A (50), who was indicted on charges of rape resulting in injury (the recognized charge being forcible molestation resulting in injury), was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison with 3 years of probation.
He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of sexual violence treatment programs and was banned from employment at child and youth-related institutions as well as welfare facilities for the disabled for 3 years each.
A was brought to trial on charges of forcibly molesting and injuring hostess B (44, female) at a karaoke room in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, around 1:34 a.m. on March 6 last year.
At the time, A and his group were drinking and singing with hostesses including B at the karaoke room. During this process, sexual conversations took place, and A exposed parts of his body.
When B was startled and turned her head away, A said things like, "Do you know if I am ashamed or not to expose myself like this? We're just having fun, so who do you think you are to act like that?" Then he tore B's clothes and forced her to lie on the floor, causing injuries requiring two weeks of medical treatment.
The court stated, "A forcibly molested karaoke hostess B and caused injury to the victim. Considering the circumstances and content of the crime and the degree of molestation, the culpability is quite serious," and added, "The victim likely felt significant sexual humiliation due to this crime."
It further explained the sentencing rationale: "Although A tearing and removing B's clothes is naturally accompanied in the process of rape, there is no evidence that A directly touched B's body or made specific attempts related to sexual intercourse."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
