"Beating and Pushing..." Daycare Teacher Accused of Abusing 3-4 Year Old Children Receives Suspended Sentence

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A daycare teacher accused of hitting or pushing down children aged 3 to 4 was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

According to the legal community on the 3rd, Judge Kim Taekyun of the Criminal Division 16 at the Seoul Central District Court recently sentenced daycare teacher A (44, female), who was charged with violating the Child Welfare Act (aggravated punishment for child abuse by workers at child welfare facilities), to 10 months in prison with a 2-year suspension. She was also ordered to be banned from employment at child-related institutions for 3 years.

The court stated, "Considering the evidence as a whole, the defendant's actions go beyond disciplinary measures and constitute physical abuse, and it is judged that she was at least implicitly aware of and intended the abusive behavior." It added, "Given the nature and method of the crime, the severity and circumstances are serious, and the victims likely suffered significant psychological trauma. Some victims have not yet forgiven her."

The court further noted, "Taking into account that the offense appears somewhat impulsive, that the mother of victim B does not wish for punishment, and other sentencing conditions including it being the defendant's first offense, the sentence was determined."

Previously, A was brought to trial on charges of physically abusing three children aged 3 to 4 at a private daycare center in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, from July to December 2019. CCTV footage played in court showed A pulling a child's foot causing the child's head to hit the floor, lifting a child and dropping them so their knees hit the floor, and repeatedly slapping a child's face with her palm.

Earlier, the prosecution argued at the sentencing hearing, "The defendant's abusive acts are severe," and "There were several other children present at the scene, many of whom are potential abuse victims." They requested the court to sentence her to 3 years in prison and impose a 5-year employment ban at child-related institutions. After a lighter sentence than requested was handed down in the first trial, the prosecution filed an appeal.