[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] A man who tried to set fire to a hospital after being refused when demanding to be treated first was sentenced to prison.
On the 21st, according to the legal community, Judge Lee Yoo-young of the Criminal Division 3 at the Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced Choi to 2 years and 6 months in prison on charges of special threats, attempted arson of an existing building, and obstruction of business.
Choi was indicted on charges of attempting arson at a hospital in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, around 1:50 p.m. on June 1, after demanding to be treated first and being refused.
Choi cursed at a nursing assistant, saying, "I will blow up the hospital," then bought 2 liters of thinner in a container from a hardware store and returned to the hospital. He opened the container and tried to light it with a lighter, but the police who arrived at the scene subdued Choi and prevented the arson.
During the trial, Choi's side claimed, "We only intended to scare, not to actually set a fire." However, it was reported that Choi had a prior record of being punished for murder by killing a person using a method of spraying thinner and setting it on fire.
The judge stated, "Considering the defendant's past record, he was fully aware of the dangers of thinner and had the intention to prepare for arson." He added, "Since multiple victims could have occurred, the crime is serious," and ruled, "Even considering the fact that the defendant reached a settlement with the victims, a heavy sentence is inevitable."
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