A man in his 20s, who was sentenced to five years in prison in the first trial for repeatedly abusing his 4-year-old child and causing the child to require hospitalization, had his sentence reduced to three years in the second trial.
▶For reference, see the article on March 14 titled '4-year-old habitual child abuse' father "I have to raise the child" pleading for leniency.
According to the legal community on the 6th, the Seoul High Court Criminal Division 7 (Presiding Judges Lee Gyu-hong, Lee Ji-young, Kim Seul-gi) sentenced Kim Mo to three years in prison on appeal for charges including child abuse causing serious injury and habitual child abuse. He was also ordered to attend a child abuse treatment program and was restricted from employment at child-related institutions.
The court considered that the child had recovered healthily after proper treatment at the hospital and that Kim, being young, was likely inexperienced in parenting. It also took into account Kim’s deep remorse and the family’s commitment to support the child’s proper upbringing and care.
Previously, Kim was charged with habitual abuse of his 4-year-old child while raising the child at their residence in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, last year. Investigations revealed that Kim, who was experiencing conflicts with his wife over parenting methods and was unable to find a job, took out his frustrations on the child.
He forced the child to lie face down for 'eating late' and struck the child with toys. He also punished the child in a room, warning that loud noises could lead to abuse reports, and covered the child’s injuries with a hat.
The child’s health deteriorated, showing symptoms such as talking nonsense while sleeping and kidney abnormalities. When the wife tried to take the child, who had fallen unconscious, to the hospital, Kim blocked her out of fear of a child abuse report. He spent time searching online for 'punishment for child abuse crimes,' delaying medical treatment, and the child was only taken to the hospital more than a day after the last abuse incident.
The first trial sentenced Kim to five years in prison. The first trial court stated, "It is unimaginable how great the fear and pain the child must have endured from habitual abuse by the biological father, the defendant," and added, "Kim is only making excuses that are hard to accept." The court also noted, "The risk of progression of the child’s chronic illness is significantly high, and the psychological trauma must also be considered."
Kim’s side argued, "Divorce proceedings with the wife are ongoing, and if given a chance, Kim and his mother will strive to restore the child’s well-being and enable a normal life," and the sentence was reduced in this appeal trial.
The child, currently staying at a child protection facility, is expected to have their future placement decided based on the outcomes of related trials.
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