Court: "Victim's Mental Suffering Is Significant"
"Hard to Believe as an Active Police Officer"
[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] An active-duty police officer who was prosecuted for sexually assaulting a woman he met for the first time by taking her to his residence was sentenced to imprisonment.
The Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Western District Court (Presiding Judge Moon Byungchan) sentenced police officer A (34) of the Mapo Police Station to 1 year and 6 months in prison on the 17th at 2:30 p.m. on charges including rape. In addition, he was ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program and was banned from working in institutions related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities for 3 years.
The court stated, “The defendant fully admitted his wrongdoing and reflected on it, and has no prior criminal record. He reached a settlement by paying the victim 50 million won, and the victim expressed a desire not to punish the defendant.”
It continued, “The defendant’s family and colleagues significantly helped raise the settlement money, indicating relatively clear social ties, and until this incident, he diligently performed his duties as a police officer.”
However, the court pointed out, “Considering the motive of the defendant’s crime, the nature of the offense is very serious. The defendant showed signs of anxiety, such as refusing evidence collection out of fear that it would be revealed he was sexually assaulted, so it is believed that the victim suffered considerable mental distress.”
Furthermore, the court added, “As an active-duty police officer responsible for citizens’ safety and setting an example, committing a serious crime is hard to believe and highly condemnable.”
According to the prosecution, A met victim B around 4 a.m. on April 20 through an impromptu meeting, drank alcohol together, took her to his residence, and forcibly sexually assaulted her.
At the sentencing hearing held on the 13th of last month, the prosecution requested the court to sentence him to 5 years in prison, order participation in a sexual violence treatment program, and impose a 7-year employment restriction in institutions related to children, adolescents, and welfare facilities for persons with disabilities.
In his final defense, A’s lawyer admitted all charges and said, “He actively cooperated with the investigation, compensated the victim 50 million won for recovery, and since the victim does not want punishment, we ask for leniency.”
A stated at the time, “Although the victim said with a generous heart that she would show leniency and forgiveness, I believe that does not erase my guilt. I am shameless, but please give me a chance to live earnestly again. I am truly sorry.”
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