"Repeated Offenses During Probation Period, Serious Nature of Crime"
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has requested a two-year prison sentence for a man in his 70s who repeatedly attempted to lure elementary school students in Seoul.
Judge Cho Sang-min of the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 9 held the first trial session at 11 a.m. on the 30th for Mr. A, a man in his 70s charged with attempted abduction of a minor.
At the trial, the prosecution stated, "The crime is serious as the defendant repeatedly committed offenses during the probation period," and requested the court to "sentence him to two years in prison."
Typically, the first trial session involves the prosecutor's summary of the charges and asking the defendant whether they admit to the charges, but in this trial, Mr. A fully admitted to the crimes and agreed with all submitted evidence, leading to the prosecution's sentencing request as well.
In his final statement, Mr. A appealed for leniency, saying, "I was mentally unstable living alone without family. If you forgive me just once, I will reflect and live properly."
Mr. A is accused of approaching an 11-year-old elementary school student, Ms. B, who was returning home from school in an apartment complex in Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, on the 25th of last month, and attempting to lure her by saying, "I have a lot of money. Let's play together."
When the crime was only attempted, Mr. A did not give up and is also accused of trying to lure elementary school students Ms. C (8) and Ms. D (9) nearby using the same method.
It is also known that Mr. A attempted the same crime against the same students on the 26th, the day after the police investigation.
Furthermore, Mr. A was previously sentenced to a suspended prison term for a similar crime committed in March, but it has been revealed that he committed the offense again.
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