First Trial Resulted in Prison Sentence...
Second Trial Says "Original Ruling Too Harsh"
A former police officer who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for sending multiple obscene messages to a female subordinate police officer was released after his sentence was reduced to probation in the appellate court.
On the 11th, the Jeju District Court Criminal Division 1 (Presiding Judge Oh Chang-hoon) overturned the original sentence of 2 years and 6 months imprisonment and sentenced A (53), who was indicted and detained on charges including violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (obscenity using communication media), to 1 year and 6 months imprisonment with 3 years probation in the appellate trial.
He was prosecuted for sending photos and videos showing specific body parts and multiple obscene messages to a female subordinate police officer working in the same department between 2023 and April of last year.
A denied most of the charges in the first trial but admitted to the charges in the appellate trial. He said, "I ask the victim for forgiveness," and "I will live with a heart of lifelong reflection and atonement."
The appellate court stated the reason for the sentence reduction, saying, "Considering that the defendant admitted all charges, showed remorse, and reached a settlement with the victim, the original sentence was too harsh and unfair."
The Jeju Police Agency held a disciplinary committee last year and dismissed A from his position.
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