A Man in His 50s Who Sexually Molested Children Playing at a Playground Sentenced to 2 Years and 6 Months in Prison on Appeal

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A man in his 50s who sexually assaulted children playing in a playground was sentenced to prison again in the appellate court.

According to the legal community on the 11th, the Criminal Division 1 of the Chuncheon Branch of the Seoul High Court (Chief Judge Park Jae-woo) sentenced A (56), who was charged with forcibly molesting minors under the age of 13 under the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes, to 2 years and 6 months in prison, the same as the original sentence.

The original sentence of 40 hours of sexual violence treatment program completion and a security measure restricting employment at child and youth-related institutions for 5 years was also upheld.

The court stated, "The victims suffered mental distress and it is expected to have a negative impact on their personality development," adding, "The defendant did not reach an agreement with the victims or compensate for the damage, and the original sentence is the lower limit of the punishment after mitigating circumstances."

A was brought to trial on charges of molesting five children aged 7 to 9 by calling them to an apartment playground on June 16 last year and touching their thighs.

The first trial court sentenced him to prison, stating, "The crime is serious as the victims, who are physically and mentally immature, were forcibly molested, and it may negatively affect the formation of healthy sexual values during their growth process."