Engineering student assaults student over "I will quit tutoring" comment... Prosecutors demand 3-year prison sentence

"Committed crime under pressure from low grades... Apologies to the victim and family"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] The prosecution has requested a three-year prison sentence for a man in his 20s who habitually assaulted a minor tutoring student.

Judge Cho Sang-min of the Seoul Southern District Court Criminal Division 9 held the first trial session on the afternoon of the 10th for Mr. A, a man in his 20s, who was indicted on charges of violating the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes (habitual injury).

At the trial, the prosecution stated, "Mr. A repeatedly hit the victim's head 10 times because the child did not concentrate and habitually assaulted him," and requested the court to impose a three-year prison sentence along with an order to complete a child abuse treatment program and a five-year employment restriction.

Generally, the first trial session involves the prosecution presenting the summary of charges and the procedure for the accused to admit or deny the charges. However, since the defendant confessed during the police investigation, the evidence examination and prosecution's sentencing request were conducted at once during this trial.

In his final argument, Mr. A's side said, "We sincerely apologize to the victim and the victim's parents who are suffering due to the wrongful actions. Mr. A is a promising engineering student and a first-time offender with no prior record of assault or injury."

They added, "During the 12 months of tutoring, the victim's grades did not improve, which caused severe pressure. The crime was not committed to cause pain to the victim," they claimed.

Mr. A is accused of indiscriminately assaulting middle school student Mr. B, who was receiving tutoring from him, at a study cafe in Yeongdeungpo-gu on June 13.

At the time of the incident, Mr. A reportedly punched Mr. B multiple times in the solar plexus and assaulted him dozens of times over about 50 minutes inside the cafe and on the stairs within the building.

The assault came to light the next day when Mr. B's parents noticed the abuse and reported it. After returning from tutoring, Mr. B suddenly said, "I want to quit," prompting his parents to confirm the abuse.

It was reported that Mr. B had numerous dark bruises all over his body, and he was diagnosed with injuries requiring two weeks of medical treatment. Additionally, he has shown signs of anxiety after the assault and is undergoing psychiatric treatment.

Mr. A reportedly became enraged and assaulted Mr. B after hearing that Mr. B wanted to quit tutoring, which would result in Mr. A not receiving the tuition fees.

During the police investigation, it was found that Mr. A had habitually assaulted Mr. B before. To ensure the victim's safety, the police imposed a restraining order on Mr. A and provided Mr. B with a smartwatch.

Due to the seriousness of the crime and the risk of flight, Mr. A was detained on June 23. The police applied charges under the Special Act on the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes and transferred the case to the prosecution on June 27. The prosecution indicted Mr. A on the same charges on the 15th of this month.

The sentencing trial for Mr. A is scheduled to be held at 2 p.m. on the 14th of next month.

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