Middle School Daughter's 'Habitual Abuse' by 40s Offender with 28 Prior Convictions, Prison Sentence Upheld on Appeal

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A man in his 40s who habitually abused his middle school daughter and committed various atrocities was sentenced to prison again in the appellate court.

According to the legal community on the 5th, the Criminal Appeals Division 2 of Cheongju District Court (Chief Judge Oh Chang-seop) overturned the original sentence of 2 years imprisonment for A (49), who was tried for violating the Child Welfare Act (child abuse), the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving), and damage to public property, and ordered 1 year and 6 months imprisonment along with 40 hours of participation in a child abuse treatment program.

A is accused of habitually abusing his middle school daughter for 6 years, including indiscriminately assaulting her in 2019 at their home in Sangdang-gu, Cheongju City, because she did not know the bankbook password. He is also charged with causing a disturbance and damaging property at a local administrative welfare center while demanding "Give me your mother's contact information," and driving under the influence. It was also confirmed that A had 28 prior convictions.

The first trial sentenced A to 2 years imprisonment. The appellate court emphasized, "Considering that A has been criminally punished 28 times and still committed additional crimes, posing a high risk of recidivism, and caused physical pain to the victim, he must be severely punished."

However, the court reduced the sentence, stating, "Taking into account A's remorse for his crimes and his poor health condition, including epilepsy."