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Prosecutors have demanded a heavy prison sentence for a facility worker who assaulted a severely disabled person more than 200 times at a developmental disabilities center in Incheon.
During the sentencing hearing held on the 8th by Criminal Division 15 of the Incheon District Court (Presiding Judge), prosecutors requested a seven-year prison sentence and a seven-year employment restriction at disability-related institutions for A, a woman in her 50s and worker at a daytime activity service center for adults with developmental disabilities in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, who was indicted on charges including rape of a protected person with disabilities under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes.
Additionally, prosecutors demanded a 3-million-won fine with a three-year employment restriction for B, a male worker in his 50s indicted for violating the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities Act, and a 10-million-won fine for C, the center director in her 40s.
Prosecutors stated the reasoning for the sentencing demands: "This is a case where the victim, who is vulnerable in terms of self-protection, was abused multiple times over a long period. Considering the nature and frequency of the acts, the gravity of the crime is severe, and no settlement has been reached with the victim."
Appearing in court that day, the mother of victim D cried out, "My child is a person with the most severe developmental disabilities who cannot properly express a single word even when hurting somewhere or when someone is tormenting them. I sent the child believing the teachers would take good care of them, but tears of blood well up when I think that the path of sending the child to the center was a painful road leading to hell."
She burst into tears, saying, "My biggest fear after giving birth to a disabled child was who would take care of this child after I die. How can I close my eyes in peace leaving this child behind?"
She continued, "Tormented by guilt, I haven't been able to sleep for over a year. Please show the severity of the law to the perpetrators so that all people with disabilities and their families can live believing in social justice."
The defendants took contrasting stances.
In her final statement, A admitted to the charges and pleaded for leniency, saying, "I am a major offender who does not even deserve to make such remarks. I lost my initial resolve, committed crimes through improper methods, and caused unforgivable pain to the victim and the parents."
On the other hand, B, who faces charges of emotional abuse, and C, the representative accused of negligent management and supervision, both denied any intent.
B emphasized, "I earnestly state that I never once had the intent to emotionally abuse or neglect the victim."
C similarly stated, "I provided sufficient training to the staff and did my best to ensure safety. If there were shortcomings as a result, we will thoroughly ensure that such incidents do not happen again."
A was indicted on charges of assaulting severely disabled person D 228 times and committing indecent acts, such as kicking sensitive areas twice, between October 2024 and April of last year.
CCTV footage revealed in court that day captured scenes of her striking D on the head and sensitive areas.
B was brought to trial on charges of emotionally abusing another disabled person by ignoring their expression of wanting to use the restroom twice, while C was indicted for neglecting the management and supervision of the center.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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