First Trial Sentences: Long-Term Imprisonment 10 Years, Short-Term 5 Years
Parents "Sentence Too Harsh" · Prosecution "Too Lenient"... Both Appeal
A middle school student who dragged a woman in her 40s home from work and sexually assaulted her sent a letter to the victim from the detention center.
JTBC revealed part of a handwritten letter sent by 15-year-old middle school student A to victim B on the 29th. The letter was sent when A was incarcerated at Daejeon Prison on the 23rd of last month.
A wrote, "I am sorry that it is difficult for you to share your pain with others and receive comfort," and "I am very sorry for causing you bad memories. While you forget those bad memories, I will sincerely reflect on my actions."
He also wrote, "Even though I am here now and even if I come out of here after some years, such things will never happen again," adding, "I did something a person should never do, and if I do it again after getting out, then I really would not be a human. So please do not worry, take care, and rest comfortably."
On the early morning of October 3rd, A is accused of picking up B, who was returning home from work in Nonsan city, saying the bus service had ended and he would take her home on his motorcycle, then dragging her to an elementary school yard where he assaulted and sexually assaulted her.
A illegally filmed B’s body and threatened her by saying, "If you report this, I will harm your daughter." It was also reported that he strangled B’s neck and forced her to drink urine, among other bizarre acts. A took B’s cellphone and about 100,000 won in cash and fled but was caught at a nearby PC cafe.
The first trial court sentenced A on the 13th to 10 years in prison (long-term) and 5 years (short-term) for charges including robbery-rape and robbery-assault. For minors, the sentence length is determined between short-term and long-term depending on the degree of rehabilitation during incarceration.
A’s lawyer pleaded in court, "He committed a terrible crime and deserves severe punishment," but also appealed, "He was a child who greeted people well and cried when scolded by teachers. Please consider his difficult family circumstances."
A’s parents apologized to the victim in an interview with the media but appealed the sentence, saying that a 5-year sentence for a 15-year-old is too harsh. On the other hand, the prosecution appealed, arguing that A’s sentence was too light.
The court in the first trial stated, "The crime was sadistic and perverted, and the nature of the crime is extremely bad to be considered the act of a 15-year-old boy," adding, "It is obvious that the victim felt extreme fear and sexual discomfort, and recovery seems difficult."
It continued, "The victim refused the criminal deposit and demands severe punishment," and "Although the defendant admits all the crimes and shows remorse, strict punishment is necessary," the court ruled.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
