30s Male Teacher Forcedly Molesting Colleague Teacher Receives Reduced Sentence in Appeal Trial

Court: "Acknowledges mistake and reflects... Considering the victim does not want punishment"

Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] A male teacher in his 30s who was sentenced to prison in the first trial for forcibly molesting a fellow teacher received a suspended sentence in the appellate trial.

The Gwangju High Court's 1st Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Kim Taeho) announced on the 20th that it overturned the original ruling and sentenced teacher A, who was indicted for violating the Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes and Forcible Molestation, to 3 years in prison with a 4-year suspension in the appellate trial.

The court also ordered 1 year of probation, attendance of 40 hours of sexual violence treatment lectures, 120 hours of community service, and a 3-year employment restriction at child and youth-related institutions and welfare facilities for the disabled.

The court stated, "A committed a sexual crime against fellow teacher and victim B. The victim is believed to have suffered considerable mental shock and pain. However, considering that A admitted wrongdoing and is reflecting on it, and that during the appellate trial a smooth agreement was reached with the victim who does not wish for A’s punishment," explaining the reasons for the sentencing.

Previously, the first trial court sentenced A to 5 years in prison.

The first trial court said, "The nature of the crime is very serious. B never received a sincere apology from A," and sentenced A to imprisonment.

A was brought to trial on charges of molesting fellow teacher B, who was sleeping, after entering a teacher’s residence between 9:45 p.m. and 11:38 p.m. on April 25, 2018.

It was revealed that A forcibly molested B twice, in April and September of the same year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.