In the case of Lee Young-bok, who was on trial for the consecutive murders of two teahouse owners in Goyang and Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, a life sentence was handed down in the first trial.
On the 18th, the 1st Criminal Division of the Goyang Branch of the Uijeongbu District Court (presiding judge Kim Hoi-soo) sentenced Lee Young-bok, who was indicted for murder, including robbery and rape, to life imprisonment.
Additionally, the court ordered a 10-year disclosure of personal information, a 10-year employment restriction from institutions related to children, adolescents, and individuals with disabilities, and a 20-year attachment of a location tracking electronic device.
The court explained its reasoning for the sentence, stating, “The defendant committed a crime that took innocent lives by targeting women he believed he could easily overpower, and given his history of committing various crimes, there is little expectation for rehabilitative potential or recovery of humanity. Furthermore, he has made no efforts to compensate the victims’ families.”
The court continued, “There is a significant need to impose an appropriate penalty for crimes that infringe on the lives of innocent people to prevent recurrence. It is deemed just for the defendant to be isolated from society indefinitely and to live with genuine remorse for his wrongdoing and penitence towards the deceased victims.”
However, regarding the absence of a death sentence, the court noted, “Although there are sufficient grounds for severe punishment, South Korea is a de facto abolitionist state regarding the death penalty. It is difficult to conclude that there are clear circumstances that justify sentencing the defendant to death.”
Previously, the prosecution had demanded the death penalty for Lee Young-bok at a sentencing hearing held last month.
Lee Young-bok was arrested and put on trial for allegedly murdering two female teahouse owners in their 60s in Goyang and Yangju, Gyeonggi Province, last December and this January.
Upon arrest, Lee provoked public outrage by telling police that he committed the crimes because he “felt ignored and wanted to show strength.”
[Photo source: Yonhap News]
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