Physical Therapist Accused of Molesting Disabled Child During Rehabilitation Sentenced to Prison in First Trial

According to the court on the 26th, the Criminal Division 29 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Seungjeong Kim) recently sentenced Mr. A (38, male), who was indicted on charges including the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes (forcible molestation of a disabled person), to a prison term.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daehyun] A physical therapist in his 30s, who was accused of molesting a disabled child undergoing rehabilitation therapy, was sentenced to prison in the first trial.

According to the court on the 26th, the Criminal Division 29 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Seungjeong) recently sentenced physical therapist A (38, male), who was indicted on charges including the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes (forcible molestation of a disabled person), to 1 year and 6 months in prison. He was also ordered to complete 40 hours of a sexual violence treatment program and was banned from working in child and disability-related institutions for 5 years.

Earlier, A was prosecuted on charges of pulling a disabled child's hand to a specific part of his own body while asking if the child had experience with a boyfriend during rehabilitation therapy at a welfare center treatment room in August 2020.

In court, A's side completely denied the charges, arguing that "if the victim had been molested, they could have asked for help from their family waiting outside the treatment room, but they did not."

The first trial found A guilty. The court stated, "Due to the nature of sexual violence, the victim may have had difficulty making clear judgments and responses at the time, especially if it happened suddenly."

The court added, "The victim said, 'It was the first time experiencing such a situation, so I was too shocked and could only remain still,' and continuing the treatment afterward does not seem to contradict common experience," and "even considering all the circumstances claimed by the defendant, it is insufficient to undermine the credibility of the victim's testimony."

However, regarding the probation order requested by the prosecutor citing "risk of reoffending," the court dismissed it, stating, "It is difficult to see a considerable likelihood that the defendant will commit another sexual violence crime," and did not detain A in court, saying "there is no risk of flight."

Both the prosecutor and A appealed the first trial's verdict.

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