Prosecutors Demand 20-Year Prison Sentence for 'Apgujeong Rolls-Royce' Driver: "Strict Punishment Needed"

The prosecution has demanded a 20-year prison sentence for Shin Mo (27), the driver of the 'Apgujeong Rolls-Royce' who fatally struck a pedestrian while driving under the influence of drugs.

Shin Mo, known as the 'Apgujeong Rolls-Royce' driver, is accused of hitting a pedestrian and causing serious injuries while driving under the influence of drugs.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 20th, during the sentencing hearing for Shin's case involving hit-and-run causing death under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, presided over by Judge Choi Min-hye of the Seoul Central District Court Criminal Division 26, the prosecution stated, "The victim's family, who lost their loved one at the young age of 27 in a tragic manner, demands severe punishment," and requested "a 20-year prison sentence."

The prosecution emphasized, "In a state where normal driving was impossible due to drugs, the defendant brutally hit an innocent victim, then sat in the driver's seat fiddling with his cellphone without reporting the incident," and added, "He did not even ask for help from those around him and fled the scene."

They continued, "Although he returned to the scene, he showed no concern for the victim's safety, instead protesting his arrest to the police and making joking phone calls," and pointed out, "Only after public opinion called for severe punishment did he excuse himself by claiming he left the scene to provide aid to the victim."

The prosecution urged the court for a harsh sentence, noting that the victim, who fell into a brain-dead state, died about three months and three weeks later, and that Shin never once apologized to the victim or the family, showing no remorse for his wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, during the defendant's examination on the same day, Shin admitted to being aware of the accident but stated that he was intoxicated with drugs and unable to make normal judgments. When asked by the prosecution, "Why did you get back into the vehicle and handle your cellphone after the accident?" Shin replied, "I don't remember touching my cellphone. I saw the victim trapped under the car, and witnesses told me to reverse the car, so I got back in."