Man in His Twenties Receives Suspended Prison Sentence for Assaulting Girlfriend with Intellectual Disabilities over "Dressing Nicely"

Court: "Severity of the Crime is High... But Considered First Offense and Other Factors"

A man in his 20s who repeatedly assaulted his girlfriend with severe intellectual disabilities has received a suspended prison sentence.

On January 26, the Changwon District Court Criminal Division 7 (Judge Lee Hyoje) announced that it had sentenced a man in his 20s, referred to as A, to one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years, on charges including causing bodily injury.

A was brought to trial on charges of repeatedly assaulting and injuring his girlfriend B, also in her 20s and with severe intellectual disabilities, at his residence in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, and elsewhere, between February and March of last year.

He assaulted B because she dressed more nicely than usual, causing her multiple fractures and contusions that required 42 days of medical treatment. He also assaulted B six times for reasons including her comparing A to her ex-boyfriend, and threatened her with a metal chopstick.

The court stated, "The defendant repeatedly assaulted B, who has an intellectual disability, causing her significant injuries. The severity of the crime is substantial."

However, the court explained the sentencing by noting, "The defendant has reflected on his wrongdoing and, aside from having previously received juvenile protection measures, has no other criminal record."