60s Man Who Sexually Assaulted Stepdaughter "With a Loving Heart"... Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison in Second Trial

A man in his 60s who was accused of sexually assaulting his young stepdaughter was sentenced to 8 years in prison in the second trial, following the first trial.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Seohyun] A stepfather accused of sexually assaulting his young stepdaughter was sentenced to eight years in prison in the appellate court as well.

On the 26th, the 1st Criminal Division of the Gwangju High Court (Judges Lee Seungcheol, Shin Yongho, Kim Jinhwan) dismissed the appeal of a man identified as A (60), who was charged with violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (sexual assault of a minor under 13 years old, sexual assault within a family relationship, etc.), and upheld the first trial’s ruling of eight years imprisonment.

The court also maintained the first trial’s order for A to complete 80 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and a seven-year employment restriction at child and youth-related institutions and welfare facilities for the disabled. The court stated, "The original judgment is justified."

A was prosecuted for sexually assaulting or attempting to sexually assault his stepdaughter B five times between 2003 and 2012 at their home and in a vehicle.

In particular, A committed sexual violence three times while B’s biological mother was hospitalized due to childbirth when B was in elementary school. When confronted by B’s mother about the abuse, A reportedly consistently excused himself by saying he "held B with loving feelings."

The first trial judged that B’s detailed and consistent testimony during the investigation and trial sufficiently proved A’s intent to commit the sexual crimes.

The court said, "A repeatedly committed crimes to satisfy his sexual desires, neglecting his responsibility to protect and raise his young stepdaughter. This is a crime against humanity." It added, "Especially, A appeared to seek forgiveness from his stepdaughter and her mother but then reversed his stance, causing further harm. Severe punishment commensurate with the gravity of the crime is necessary," explaining the sentencing rationale.

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