Caregiver Sentenced for Inserting Sanitary Pad into Anus of Brain-Damaged Patient: "Abuse by Inhumane Method"

Nursing Hospital Director Fined 20 Million Won for 'Negligent Management'

A caregiver at a nursing hospital who was prosecuted for abusing a patient with brain lesions by repeatedly inserting pieces of sanitary pads into the patient's anus was sentenced to prison in the first trial.

Judge An Heegil of the Incheon District Court Criminal Division 4 sentenced caregiver A (68), who was charged with violating the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, to 3 years and 6 months in prison and restricted employment at disability-related institutions for 10 years at the sentencing hearing held on the 7th. In addition, nursing hospital director B (56), who was prosecuted for neglecting the management and supervision of the nursing hospital facility (violation of the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities), was fined 20 million won.

A was arrested and indicted on charges of repeatedly inserting 10 sanitary pads into the anus of brain lesion patient C (64) at a nursing hospital in Namdong-gu, Incheon, from late April to early May. He cut the pads used on the bed into square shapes approximately 25 cm in width and length to commit the crime.

During the investigation, A stated, "C had loose stools, so the diaper had to be changed frequently," and "I inserted pieces of the pad into the anus to make cleaning easier." Due to A's actions, C suffered anal lacerations and defecation dysfunction, and his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to a university hospital.

Judge An stated, "A neglected the duties of a caregiver and abused and injured the victim in an inhumane manner by taking advantage of the victim's inability to move or express himself," adding, "The nature of the crime is very serious, the culpability is heavy, and the victim's family has not forgiven him." He continued, "The family, who had to find and remove the sanitary pads from the victim's anus, suffered great psychological damage," but also noted, "Considering that A has no prior record of punishment in Korea."

Regarding B, he explained the sentencing by saying, "The result occurred because proper management and supervision were not carried out for a victim at risk of abuse," and "Considering that A was residing at the nursing hospital 24 hours a day."