Taxi Driver Who Wielded a Weapon at Neighbor Saying "Move Your Car" Receives Reduced Sentence in Appeal Trial

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] A taxi driver in his 50s who attempted to kill a neighbor over a parking dispute received a reduced sentence in the appellate court.

According to the legal community on the 20th, the Gwangju High Court 2-1 Criminal Division (Chief Judge Seong Chung-yong) overturned the original sentence of 4 years imprisonment and sentenced A (59), who was charged with attempted murder, to 3 years and 10 months imprisonment in the appeal trial.

A was prosecuted for attempting to kill a neighbor by striking them with a blunt weapon at an above-ground parking lot of a one-room apartment in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, around 4:45 p.m. on June 12 last year.

A became angry and decided to kill after protesting when the neighbor parked two vehicles in the parking lot.

However, after approaching the neighbor and striking twice with the blunt weapon, A suddenly felt fear and stopped the crime voluntarily.

The neighbor sustained injuries diagnosed as requiring three weeks of treatment, including wounds to the head.

A filed an appeal citing factual errors and excessive sentencing, but only the claim of excessive sentencing was accepted.

The court stated, "The defendant attempted to kill the defenseless victim by striking with a blunt weapon," and judged, "This is a crime that can endanger another person's life, and the culpability is severe."

However, the court explained the sentencing reasons, saying, "It appears the crime was committed impulsively and resulted only in an attempt," "Shortly after the incident, the defendant requested someone nearby to call 119," and "Considering that the defendant admitted to part of the crime and deposited compensation for the victim."