American Instructor Sentenced to 7 Years for Sexually Assaulting 5-Year-Old Girl While Intoxicated

Sexual Assault on Girl During Class After Drinking 7 Bottles of Soju
American Language Instructor Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison

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An unqualified American instructor who sexually assaulted a 5-year-old girl while intoxicated after drinking seven bottles of soju during a class at a language institute was sentenced to seven years in prison.

On the 8th, the Criminal Division 7 of the Busan District Court (Chief Judge Shin Heon-gi) sentenced American A, who was charged with violating the Special Act on Sexual Violence Crimes (forcible molestation of a child under 13) and the Immigration Control Act, to seven years in prison. A five-year employment restriction order was also imposed on institutions related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities.

Earlier, the prosecution had requested a 10-year prison sentence for A at the sentencing hearing held on August 20.

The court explained the sentencing rationale, stating, "The crime was committed against a young student in a place where child protection is necessary, which is a serious offense. Since domestic sentencing standards do not discriminate based on nationality or race, the sentence was determined according to our country's sentencing guidelines."

According to the prosecution's charges, A was indicted for repeatedly forcibly molesting a 5-year-old girl while drinking and conducting an English class at a language institute in Dongnae-gu, Busan, on May 22. A, who entered the country on a tourist visa in March, is also accused of working as an English instructor at the language institute without the qualification to engage in employment activities.

During the trial, A admitted to all charges but reportedly appealed for leniency, citing symptoms of alcohol addiction and personal hardships.