Man in His 60s Hurls Insults at Children Urging Him to Cross at Crosswalk

Sentenced to Eight Months in Prison on Appeal

A man in his 60s who hurled insults at children worried about his safety and interfered with the business of a convenience store owner who refused to sell him alcohol has been sentenced to prison in his appeal trial as well.

According to Yonhap News on July 6, the Criminal Division 2 of the Chuncheon District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Kim Seongrae, sentenced Mr. A (65), who was indicted on charges of child abuse under the Child Welfare Act, obstruction of business, and insult, to eight months in prison.

Crosswalk. Photo is not related to the specific content of the article.

On the evening of November 28 last year, Mr. A stopped in the middle of a crosswalk in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, without crossing the street. When elementary school students advised him, saying, "Sir, it's dangerous. Please cross quickly," he responded by hurling insults at the children. About two weeks later, in December of the same year, Mr. A interfered with the business of a convenience store for about 20 minutes by swearing at the owner and saying things like, "Aren't you afraid of divine punishment?" after the owner refused to sell him alcohol. About ten days after being questioned by the police for these incidents, Mr. A caused a disturbance at a coffee shop for about an hour by bringing beer, drinking it loudly, swearing, picking fights with customers, and singing songs.

The court of first instance stated, "Given the nature of Mr. A's crimes and his previous criminal record, the severity of his guilt makes a heavy punishment unavoidable," and sentenced him to one year in prison. Mr. A appealed, claiming that the sentence was too harsh.

Upon reviewing Mr. A's claims, the appellate court pointed out, "The defendant committed obstruction of business while intoxicated even on the day he was questioned by the police, which makes him highly blameworthy, and he has shown little sign of remorse." However, the court also explained the reason for reducing the sentence, stating, "Considering that the defendant reached a settlement with some of the victims during the appeal, the sentence imposed by the lower court is somewhat heavy."