"Fake Hitting No No, Hitting Without Reason" 30-Year-Old Man Encouraged Abuse of 8-Year-Old Child

Sentenced to 15 Years for Forcing Abuse on 8-Year-Old Under Pretext of Discipline
Court: "All Children Have the Right to Basic Life in a Safe Home"
Biological Mother’s 15-Year Sentence Confirmed by Supreme Court

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] A man in his 30s who coerced his partner into abusing her 8-year-old son, resulting in the child's death, has been sentenced to a heavy prison term.

On the 3rd, the Daejeon High Court's 1st Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Baek Seung-yeop) overturned the original 17-year sentence and sentenced A (38) to 15 years in prison on charges including violation of the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes (child abuse resulting in death). He was also ordered to complete 80 hours of a child abuse treatment program and was banned from employment in child-related institutions for 5 years.

A is accused of coercing his girlfriend B (38) to discipline her son C, aged 8, through abuse over about four months starting November 2019, leading to C's death. B reportedly repeatedly beat C using a laundry paddle, rubber hose, and broom at their home in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon.

In particular, A used an internet protocol (IP) camera installed in the house to monitor the home and urged B, saying things like, "Pretend to hit, no no, hit at least 10 times without reason," thereby coercing abuse. He also verbally abused C and forced him not to attend school, committing direct emotional abuse.

In court, A's side claimed the violence was for disciplinary purposes, but investigations revealed that C had severe injuries, including skin peeled off his calves with pus and bruises all over his body.

The court stated, "Although the defendant admitted to some of the crimes and showed attempts to recover damages after reaching an agreement with the fathers of the abused children, every child has the right to enjoy a basic life in a safe residence for harmonious personality development."

It added, "The defendant coerced or instructed the biological mother to abuse under the pretext of helping with discipline, and also inflicted emotional abuse such as verbal insults, hindering the child's growth into a healthy member of society. It is questionable whether the defendant, who avoids responsibility by claiming no signs of abuse, is truly remorseful. Given the necessity of strict punishment, sentencing the defendant to a heavier penalty than the biological mother who directly abused the child is deemed unfair," explaining the sentencing rationale.

Meanwhile, B, C's mother, had her 15-year prison sentence confirmed by the Supreme Court last September.