"Arguing with Wife"... Jodu-soon Illegally Leaving Residence, Sentenced to 1 Year Imprisonment

Prosecutors: "Fines Are Illegal Liability That the State Bears Instead"

The prosecution has requested a one-year prison sentence for child sex offender Jo Doo-soon, who was brought to trial after violating a nighttime outing restriction order. Jo left the house at night, claiming he had a quarrel with his wife.

At the hearing on the violation of the Electronic Monitoring Act held on the 11th at the Ansan Branch of Suwon District Court, presided over by Chief Judge Jang Soo-young of Criminal Division 5, the prosecution made this request against Jo. In his statement, Jo said, "I think I went out because I was momentarily angry after arguing with my wife," and added, "I will not step outside my home from now on. I will diligently follow the probation officer's instructions." He also stated, "I am living as a basic livelihood security recipient and do not have money to pay a fine."

Jo Doo-soon coming out after the trial
Photo by Yonhap News

The prosecution pointed out, "The defendant violated the compliance requirement (prohibition of nighttime outings after 9 p.m.) and left his residence. Although he spent time near his home, he disobeyed the order to return immediately." They further argued, "As the defendant receives living expenses from the state as a basic livelihood security recipient, imposing a fine would mean the state bears responsibility for the illegal act. To hold him accountable for the violation, a prison sentence is necessary," and requested a one-year prison term.

Jo is accused of leaving his residence in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, around 9:05 p.m. on the 14th and being absent without permission for about 40 minutes. After leaving the house, Jo was caught wandering around a police security post near his residence. Although the police requested him to return home, he reportedly refused for some time. During the police investigation, it was found that he wandered near the police security post citing reasons such as "quarreling with my wife" and "prison life was difficult," indicating domestic discord.

Previously, Jo was sentenced to 12 years in prison for abducting and sexually assaulting an elementary school student in front of a church in Ansan in December 2008, causing serious injuries. He was released on December 12, 2020, after serving his sentence. At the time of his release, the court ordered special compliance measures, including a ban on nighttime outings for seven years during the electronic monitoring period.

Jo currently lives with his wife and family at his residence, where nighttime outings after 9 p.m. are prohibited. Police and city hall security posts, surveillance personnel, and 34 CCTV cameras are stationed at 20 meters and 150 meters from his residence for constant monitoring.

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