A public official who assaulted a subordinate employee at a COVID-19 screening clinic because she was wearing revealing clothing received a fine on appeal, following the initial ruling.
The Jeonju District Court Criminal Division 2 (Presiding Judge Kim Do-hyeong) said on the 14th that it dismissed the appeal of A (48, female), who was indicted without detention on a charge of assault, and upheld the lower court's sentence of a 500,000 won fine.
A, a Jeonju city public official, was indicted on charges of assaulting the chest of B (32, female), a public service worker, twice at a screening clinic in Wansan-gu on Jan. 13, 2022, when the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak.
Earlier, the court of first instance said, "It is unfavorable that the victim is seeking severe punishment for the defendant," but added, "However, the defendant admits the crime, and the degree of assault is relatively not serious," and sentenced a fine of 500,000 won.
A appealed on the grounds of unfair sentencing. At the final hearing on appeal, A said of the reason for the assault, "Workers at screening clinics wear gowns, and B's outfit was too embarrassing," and added, "At that time, when 3,300 citizens a day were visiting the screening clinic, I tapped B's body while pointing out that issue." A then said, "I should have addressed it only verbally, and I regret that I even touched her slightly."
However, the appellate court did not accept A's grounds for appeal. The appellate court said, "Although the degree of the defendant's assault is not severe, it is unfavorable that the victim is seeking severe punishment," and added, "It appears the lower court determined the sentence after considering various circumstances and sentencing factors," and dismissed A's appeal.