"Caught on CCTV, Not Accidental Physical Contact"
Dismissed from Job as Well
A public official in his 20s who sexually harassed a coworker by touching her body at the instant photo booth chain Insaengnecut was sentenced to a suspended prison term and dismissed from his job.
On the 25th, Judge Kim Dohyung of the Chuncheon District Court Wonju Branch Criminal Division 1 sentenced A (27), who was charged with forcible sexual assault, to six months in prison with a two-year suspension. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and was banned from employment at institutions related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities for three years each.
A, a public official, was indicted for sexually harassing his female coworker B (30) by touching her waist and wrapping his arm around her shoulder while taking Insaengnecut photos with colleagues at a location in Wonju City around 12:32 a.m. on August 3 last year. It was also revealed that A touched B’s private parts.
The court stated, "CCTV footage shows that in the presence of colleagues, the defendant repeatedly touched the victim’s body while avoiding others’ eyes. This cannot be considered accidental physical contact."
It added, "Due to the defendant’s irresponsible behavior and words, the victim likely suffered greater mental distress. Although the defendant deposited 10 million won in escrow, the sentence was determined considering the victim’s plea for severe punishment."
A was suspended from his position immediately after the first trial verdict and was recently dismissed following disciplinary procedures at his affiliated institution.
Meanwhile, both the defendant and the prosecution have appealed the first trial verdict.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
