[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] A former professional baseball player who was sentenced to prison and detained in the first trial for sexually assaulting an acquaintance was given a suspended sentence and released in the appellate trial.
The Criminal Division 2-1 of Suwon High Court (Appellate Judges Wang Jeong-ok, Kim Gwan-yong, Lee Sang-ho) on the 24th overturned the original sentence of 3 years and 6 months imprisonment for A, who was charged with rape and other offenses, and sentenced him to 3 years imprisonment with a 4-year suspended sentence. The court also ordered 4 years of probation, 120 hours of community service, 40 hours of sexual violence treatment program completion, and a 3-year employment restriction at institutions related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities.
The court stated, "The defendant's crimes are of a serious nature, and the victims were shocked by each offense, which are unfavorable circumstances," but added, "However, considering that the defendant admitted to the crimes and is remorseful, that the victims no longer wish to press charges at this court, and that there is no prior record of similar offenses, among other sentencing factors, the original sentence is deemed heavy," explaining the reason for the reduced sentence.
A was indicted for sexually assaulting or molesting acquaintance B around midnight on May 17, 2020, at a karaoke room in Hanam City, Gyeonggi Province, and was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months imprisonment and detained in the first trial. He was also charged with forcibly molesting another acquaintance around the same time.
A played as a pitcher for teams in Seoul and other provinces and worked as a coach for one year.
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