"Climbing on Body to Put to Sleep Is Abnormal" Childcare Center Director Who Caused Child's Death Sentenced to 13 Years in Prison

Bereaved Family: "CCTV Shows Child Struggling... It Must Have Been the Hardest Time in Life"

The prosecution has demanded a 13-year prison sentence for A (54, female), the daycare center director who was indicted on charges of causing the death of a 21-month-old child while putting the child to sleep (child abuse resulting in death under the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes).

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] The prosecution has requested a 13-year prison sentence for A (54, female), the director of a daycare center, who was indicted on charges including causing the death of a 21-month-old child while putting the child to sleep (child abuse resulting in death under the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes).

On the 21st, the Daejeon District Prosecutors' Office, during the sentencing hearing held at the Daejeon District Court Criminal Division 11 (Presiding Judge Park Heonhaeng), stated, "The child died due to an extremely abnormal abusive act of putting pressure on the child's body to make them sleep," and requested this sentence from the court. They also requested a 10-year employment restriction order for child and youth-related institutions.

Regarding B (48, female), a childcare teacher who was also indicted for neglecting the abuse by watching A’s abusive acts without intervention (aiding and abetting aggravated punishment for child abuse by workers at child welfare facilities), the prosecution requested a 2-year prison sentence and a 5-year employment restriction order, stating, "She forgot her duty as a mandatory reporter of child abuse and passively watched, which ultimately led to the child's death."

Earlier, A was brought to trial on charges of causing the death of the victim child by pressing down on the child’s body with her legs and arms for several minutes after making the child lie face down on a blanket at her daycare center in Jung-gu, Daejeon, on March 30.

At the sentencing hearing, the bereaved family, given the opportunity to speak, said, "The CCTV captured the last moments of my child struggling, which must have been the hardest time in their life," and sobbed, "Thinking that those were footsteps wanting to go home even now because they wanted to live breaks my heart." A asked the court, "Please punish me severely."

Meanwhile, the sentencing hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. on the 11th of next month.