"Because I Like the Warm Feeling" - Absurd Claim by a 50s Arson Attempt Suspect

Court: "Intent Recognized After Reviewing Report and CCTV"
Sentenced to 1 Year 6 Months Imprisonment with 2 Years Probation

A man in his 50s who nearly caused a major fire by setting fire inside a room of an apartment building and then leaving the house was sentenced to prison for attempted arson.

The Criminal Division 2 of Chuncheon District Court (Presiding Judge Lee Young-jin) on the 22nd sentenced A (58), who was indicted for attempted arson of an occupied building, to 1 year and 6 months in prison with a 2-year probation period and ordered probation supervision.

Entrance of Chuncheon District Court. [Photo by Yonhap News TV]

A was prosecuted on charges of attempting arson after setting fire to a pile of paper on the floor of a room in an apartment in Wonju last May, but the fire was extinguished by 119 firefighters before it could spread. A’s side claimed that he had no intent to commit arson, stating that he only burned papers such as utility bills placed in a metal container used for briquettes before going out.

However, the court judged that there was at least implied intent based on the on-site forensic report, which showed that the ignition point was the floor, not the metal container, and CCTV footage captured A opening the door and pacing around at the time of the fire, as well as black smoke coming out from the open door.

The court also found it difficult to understand A’s statements to the investigation authorities despite the obvious risk of fire. A stated, "There were too many documents, so I wanted to burn them, and since the gas was cut off, lighting a fire felt warm. I left without putting out the fire because I was going to take the dog for a walk."

The court stated, "Arson of a residential building poses a risk of causing great harm to many lives, bodies, and property," but added, "Considering the absence of prior criminal records except for fines, and that the defendant’s mental health was poor at the time of the crime, the sentence was determined comprehensively."

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