The Fate of a Man in His 40s Who Repeatedly Stalked and Threatened the Victim Immediately After Release

Court Sentences Defendant to Two Years in Prison

A man in his 40s, who was released from detention, was sentenced to prison again after repeatedly contacting and threatening the stalking victim dozens of times.

On January 25, the Criminal Division 2 of Chuncheon District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Seongrae) announced that it had sentenced Mr. A (aged 40), who was indicted on charges of retaliatory threats under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes, violation of the Stalking Punishment Act, and violation of the Information and Communications Network Act, to two years in prison and ordered him to complete 40 hours of a stalking treatment program.

Presiding Judge. (This photo is not directly related to the article.) Pixabay Pixabay

According to the investigation, after being sentenced to prison on May 1, 2023, for stalking Ms. B between February and March 2024, he harbored resentment and committed the crime.

Immediately after his detention was revoked and he was released on May 7, 2023, he sent threatening text messages to Ms. B, including, "Prepare to die. I know you reported me and had me sent away, so let’s see each other first," and "Let’s see if you can live well after sending me to prison," among others.

It was also revealed that between May 17 and 29, 2023, Mr. A sent a total of 80 abusive text messages to six people.

The court stated, "The defendant bears significant culpability, and it appears that the victim, Ms. B, suffered considerable psychological distress as a result. To date, there has been no recovery for any of the victims, and the defendant committed the offense without self-restraint during the repeat offense period for a different type of crime," explaining the reasons for the sentencing.

Meanwhile, with the implementation of the Stalking Punishment Act in 2021, legal protection and separation measures, which were previously left to police discretion, have now been guaranteed by law. Subsequently, in August 2023, the National Police Agency distributed the "Comprehensive Manual for Responding to Dating Violence."

Previously, protective measures were taken only after determining whether the requirements for stalking (▲against the victim’s will and without just cause ▲persistent or repeated ▲acts such as approaching that caused anxiety or fear) were met. However, under the new manual, even a one-time act of violence can prompt on-site police to take emergency protective actions, such as issuing a restraining order, if they determine there is a risk.