Forced to masturbate naked while being burned with a lighter
Attempted arson at victim's home
Father: "Bright future... trying to get a reduced sentence"
A teenager who was subjected to cruel abuse by middle school classmates killed one of the perpetrators, and related individuals have been sentenced to prison.
On the 18th, the 2nd Criminal Division of the Gangneung Branch of Chuncheon District Court (Chief Judge Kwon Sang-pyo) sentenced A (19), who was indicted on charges of special assault, to 7 years in prison, ordered him to attend 40 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures, and imposed a 5-year employment restriction on institutions related to children, adolescents, and the disabled. B (19), who was also indicted on charges of attempted arson of a dwelling, was sentenced to 5 years to 3 years in prison. Previously, the prosecution had requested 9 years in prison for A and 6 to 4 years in prison for B.
A was tried for forcibly giving alcohol and assaulting C (19), a middle school classmate with an intellectual disability, at a house in Samcheok-si, Gangwon Province last April. It was confirmed that A, along with friend D, cut C’s hair with disposable razors and scissors and burned his genitals, ears, and eyebrows with a lighter. They forced C to masturbate while naked and instructed him to insert cotton swabs and Go stones into his anus. If C did not comply, they indiscriminately beat him with brooms and other objects. Meanwhile, B attempted arson at C’s house together with A but failed. Unable to endure such cruel abuse, C ended up killing one of the perpetrators, D.
During police investigation, A partially denied the charges, claiming "the deceased D led the crime," but the court rejected this, judging that A conspired with D and made an essential contribution to the crime. Furthermore, the court pointed out, "A committed the crime despite having a history of multiple summons and protective measures. Especially, the crime committed with D was continuous cruel abuse beyond simple bullying, and the nature of the crime is extremely serious. Nevertheless, A denied the charges and shifted responsibility to B and D, showing no remorse, thus requiring severe punishment." The court also stated, "B’s crime is very serious as he attempted arson at the victim’s house taking advantage of the victim’s father’s long-term absence," but considered "B’s admission of wrongdoing, remorse, and settlement with the victim."
The father of abuse victim C stated, "Although I have not forgiven them, I wanted to help reduce their sentences even a little because they have a bright future ahead," revealing that he reached a settlement with A and B. However, C’s side has not reached a settlement with the family of the deceased D and has appealed the sentence of 5 to 3 years in prison.
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