Child Left Blind Due to Untreated Glaucoma...Suspended Sentence Upheld on Appeal for Mitigating Circumstances

Gwangju High Court Upholds 3-Year Prison Term, 5-Year Suspension
"Considering Congenital Disease and Omission of Birth Registration"

Behind the story of "I couldn't take my child to the hospital" was a mother who had to give up on treatment despite knowing about her child's illness, and a child who was not even registered at birth.

The Gwangju High Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Lee Euyeong) on the 1st dismissed the prosecutor's appeal for an unjust sentence and upheld the original sentence of three years in prison, suspended for five years, for A (27), who was indicted on charges including violation of the Child Welfare Act (child abandonment and neglect).

A was put on trial for failing to provide treatment for her child despite knowing the child had congenital glaucoma, and for not administering necessary vaccinations. Since the child was not registered at birth, health insurance did not apply, resulting in a heavy financial burden for medical expenses. Ultimately, A gave up on treatment and neglected the child. The child is currently blind and under foster care.

The appellate court stated, "Glaucoma was a congenital condition, and it was not easy for the defendant to recognize the symptoms," adding, "It is unreasonable to place all responsibility solely on the defendant." The court further explained, "We deeply considered the defendant's ability to care for the child and the possibility of recovery in the future," clarifying the reason for upholding the original sentence.