Former Reporter Involved in 'Drinking-Related Fatal Accident' Sentenced to Prison, Then Probation on Appeal

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A man in his 20s, a former local journalist who caused the death of a pedestrian by hitting them while driving under the influence at high speed, received a reduced sentence of probation in the appellate court.

According to the legal community on the 26th, the Gwangju District Court's 1st Criminal Division (Chief Judge Kim Pyeong-ho) overturned the original sentence of 1 year and 6 months imprisonment in the appeal trial of A (28), who was indicted for violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (dangerous driving causing death) and other charges.

The court sentenced him to 1 year and 6 months imprisonment with 3 years of probation.

A was tried on charges of causing the death of a woman in her 50s by hitting her while driving under the influence around 10:35 p.m. on March 28 last year on a road in Wolsan-dong, Nam-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.

A was driving at about 100 km/h on a road with a speed limit of 50 km/h and failed to notice the victim standing at the edge of the road, causing a fatal accident.

At the time, his blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.135%.

The court stated, "The irreversible result of the victim's death occurred, and the guilt is very heavy. There is a high social necessity to severely punish drunk driving offenses."

However, the court explained the sentencing reasons, saying, "He admitted all the charges and is remorseful, and has reached a settlement with the bereaved family who do not wish for punishment. Considering that he is a first-time offender with no prior criminal record and has clear social ties as a journalist, various circumstances were taken into account."