Prosecutors have sought a "suspended sentence" in the appeal trial of the so-called "Choco Pie theft case," which sparked social controversy due to the damage amount being only 1,050 won, by accepting the opinion of the Citizens' Committee.
During the appeal hearing for theft involving Mr. A (41), held on October 30 at the Criminal Division 2 of Jeonju District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Dohyeong), prosecutors stated, "Given that the value of the stolen items is extremely small, it would be excessively harsh for the defendant to lose his job due to a guilty verdict," and requested the court to "grant a suspended sentence as a final act of leniency."
A suspended sentence is a system in which, if the offense is minor, the court postpones the sentencing for a certain period, and if the defendant commits no further crimes for two years from the date of suspension, they are exempt from punishment.
Mr. A, a security company union member, received a summary order on charges of consuming snacks, including Choco Pie and custard, worth a total of 1,050 won from the refrigerator in the office of a logistics company in Wanju County, North Jeolla Province, on January 18 last year. However, he claimed, "I had no intention of stealing," and requested a formal trial, insisting on his innocence.
The court of first instance found Mr. A guilty and imposed a fine of 50,000 won. However, Mr. A appealed, as a conviction for theft under the Security Business Act could result in the loss of his job.
As the case gained national attention through media coverage, prosecutors convened a Citizens' Committee on October 27 to listen to public opinion and gather feedback from citizens.
It was reported that the majority of committee members expressed the view that seeking a suspended sentence was appropriate.
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