Son who harbored grudge over mother's text saying "Let's cut ties" sets fire... Gambling again despite 100 million debt

Despite 100 Million Debt from Gambling... Resentment Over Mother's Text Saying 'Let's Cut Ties'

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[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] A man in his 30s, who continued gambling despite owing about 100 million won in debt, was sentenced to a suspended prison term after setting fire to his house in anger upon receiving a text message from his mother saying "Let's cut ties."

On the 25th, the 12th Criminal Division of the Incheon District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Sang-woo) announced that A (32), who was charged with arson of a building, was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 3-year suspension. A was also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service.

A was brought to trial on charges of cutting the city gas valve with a spanner and then setting fire using a disposable lighter at his residence on the 4th floor of a four-story multi-family house in Namdong-gu, Incheon, around 2:50 a.m. on July 26.

At the time, A's father, mother, and younger sibling were sleeping in the residence but were able to evacuate immediately, fortunately resulting in no casualties. However, the fire damaged the kitchen ceiling and walls, causing property damage worth about 4 million won.

A, who worked as a gas meter reader, had accumulated 120 million won in gambling debts and even stole money from his younger sibling, which he also lost gambling. When his mother, upon learning of this, sent a text message saying "Let's cut ties," A became enraged, harbored resentment toward his family, and committed the crime.

The court stated, "This is a case of arson by setting fire to the residence of victims living in a multi-family house, which requires strict punishment. However, since the victims have reached an agreement and do not all seek criminal punishment, and considering that the crime appears to have been committed somewhat impulsively and that no casualties occurred, the sentence was determined accordingly."

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