"Text Bomb" Threats Ignite Chaos... 40s Defendant Sentenced to Prison in Appeal Trial Two Months After Release

Rioting at Financial Institutions and Sending Text Bombs to CEO After Dismissal
Committed Crime Two Months After Release on Special Injury Charges

A man in his 40s who committed a crime just two months after being released from prison and was sentenced to imprisonment in the first trial received a prison sentence again in the appeal trial.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Kim Gun-chan, Intern Reporter] A man in his 40s who caused disturbances at financial institutions and sent 22 threatening text messages to his boss, causing anxiety and fear after being fired from his job, was sentenced to prison in the appellate court.

The Chuncheon District Court Criminal Division 1 (Presiding Judge Kim Cheong-mi) dismissed the appeal of Mr. A (49), who was tried on charges including special threats and violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, and announced on the 23rd that it sentenced him to 1 year and 8 months in prison, the same as the original sentence.

Mr. A was indicted for causing a disturbance at a financial institution in Chuncheon City on October 7 last year at 9:17 a.m. while intoxicated, shouting insults such as "I was released 44 days ago after serving 5 years in prison for attempted murder." After being chased away by the police who responded to a 112 call, he threatened by phone, saying "I will set fire," and returned around noon to cause another disturbance.

On the 23rd of the same month, while working as a delivery driver for a delivery agency, he was fired due to poor work attitude and sent 22 text messages causing anxiety and fear to the boss until the next day. He was also charged with pointing a weapon at the owner of a motorcycle repair shop, claiming that parts were sold at high prices.

Mr. A committed these crimes less than two months after completing a 2-year prison sentence for special injury charges and received a prison sentence in the first trial.

The appellate court stated the reason for dismissal, saying, "According to the evidence lawfully collected and examined by the original court, the facts of the crime are sufficiently recognized, and even after carefully reviewing the sentencing materials submitted by the defendant, the original sentence is appropriate."