A man in his 40s who tried to set his home on fire because his family did not celebrate his birthday received a suspended prison sentence.
On the 30th, according to legal sources, the 22nd Criminal Division of the Cheongju District Court (Presiding Judge Han Sang-won) sentenced A, 47, who was indicted on charges of attempted arson of an occupied building, to one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years.
A was brought to trial on charges of stacking tissues in the living room of an apartment in Jincheon County, North Chungcheong, where A lives, pressing the butane gas inlet to release gas, and then saying, "Let's all die together," before lighting it with a lighter on Mar. 29. Fortunately, the children poured water on the burning tissues, preventing a larger fire.
It was found that A committed the crime because A thought A was being disrespected when the spouse and children did not celebrate the birthday the day before.
The court said, "There was a risk of multiple casualties because the attempt at arson took place in a residential apartment, and considering that the family was present at the time, the culpability is not light," adding, "However, taking into account remorse for the crime and the fact that it remained an attempt, the sentence was determined accordingly."