'63-Hour Escape Drama' Kim Gilsu Sentenced to 4 Years and 6 Months in Prison on Appeal

Kim Gilsu, who was imprisoned on charges of special robbery and escaped during a brief hospital visit, was sentenced to imprisonment again in the appellate court.

Kim Gil-su, who was imprisoned in Seoul Detention Center on charges of aggravated robbery, escaped while receiving hospital treatment. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th, the Criminal Division 4-2 of the Seoul High Court (Presiding Judges Park Youngjae, Hwang Jingoo, Ji Youngnan) sentenced Kim, who was indicted on charges including special robbery, to 4 years and 6 months in prison, stating that "the original sentence is neither excessively heavy nor light," maintaining the first trial's sentence.

The court ruled, "The tear gas spray used by the defendant in the crime is considered a dangerous object, but the original court's judgment that it is not a weapon corresponding to special robbery is appropriate."

It added, "Although the defendant did not effectively obtain 660 million won of the stolen cash, which is somewhat favorable, the crime was planned to steal cash, making the culpability severe. Moreover, the method of crime was very bold and malicious, as he swallowed a spoon on purpose while being investigated after being arrested for robbery, was transferred to a hospital, and escaped during a moment of lax surveillance."

After the sentencing, the court told Kim, "You committed a blameworthy crime and must be deprived of your freedom for a considerable period," but also said, "As you wrote in your letter of repentance, if you abandon greed and cultivate a good heart, bright days will come. We hope you sincerely reflect on and repent your mistakes."

Kim was arrested and indicted on charges of spraying tear gas spray on a victim who contacted him on September 11 last year, pretending to request money laundering, then snatching a bag containing 740 million won in cash and fleeing. In October of the same year, Kim was arrested by the police and investigated, but escaped from the hospital on November 4 while receiving treatment and was captured about 63 hours later. The prosecution additionally indicted him on escape charges, and the two cases were combined.

Kim was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison in the first trial. The prosecution demanded 7 years of imprisonment in the appellate court.