Soldier Who Attacked and Attempted to Sexually Assault Woman While on Leave Faces 30-Year Sentence in Appeal Trial

"Difficult to Conclude Diminished Mental State"
Victim Reports Severe Trauma

Prosecutors have requested a 30-year prison sentence in the appellate trial for a soldier who attacked a woman he did not know with a weapon and attempted to sexually assault her while on leave.

On December 9, during the sentencing hearing for Mr. A, held at the Daejeon High Court’s Criminal Division 3 (Presiding Judge Kim Byungsik), prosecutors asked the court to impose the same sentence as requested in the first trial.

In his final argument, Mr. A’s defense attorney stated, “The defendant showed severe anxiety before returning from leave due to difficulty adapting to military life and was in a state of uncontrollable panic. He had no intent to commit rape or murder, is remorseful for his actions, and will do his best to help the victim recover.” In his own final statement, Mr. A said, “I committed a grave wrong against the victim. I am truly sorry.”

Mr. A is accused of entering a women’s restroom in a commercial building in Jung-gu, Daejeon, in January of this year, stabbing Ms. B with a weapon, and attempting to sexually assault her. Ms. B underwent emergency surgery immediately after the incident and has since recovered physically, but continues to suffer from psychological trauma. Mr. A claimed he had no intent to commit rape or murder, but the court did not accept this argument. The claim that he was in a diminished mental state was also not recognized.

The court of first instance stated, “The victim has consistently given statements to investigative authorities that match the charges, and this is corroborated by CCTV footage and medical opinions. The defendant followed a young woman, inflicted multiple injuries with a weapon, and persistently demanded sexual intercourse, which demonstrates intent to commit rape and murder.”

The court further noted, “Although psychological evaluation revealed avoidant personality disorder and negative feelings about military service, it is difficult to conclude that the defendant was in a diminished mental state. Despite the victim’s severe trauma, the defendant has only focused on evading responsibility.” Sentencing for Mr. A is scheduled for January 13.