▲ Seoul Eastern District Court
A man in his 60s who ran a red light while driving and struck and killed an elementary school student has received a suspended prison sentence in the first trial.
The Seoul Eastern District Court sentenced the defendant, a man in his 60s surnamed Kim, to one year in prison with three years of probation today (September 22) on charges including violation of the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents (causing death).
The court stated the sentencing rationale, explaining, "An irreversible consequence occurred resulting in the victim's death due to gross negligence," while taking into consideration that "he is showing remorse, his vehicle is insured, the bereaved family does not want a strict punishment as they reached a smooth settlement, and he has no prior criminal record."
Kim is accused of hitting a 9-year-old elementary school student riding a bicycle and the child's mother with his car at a crosswalk in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, at around 8:50 PM on July 5.
The pedestrian signal was green at the time.
The child was transferred to a hospital immediately after the accident but passed away.
The prosecution demanded a three-year prison term during the trial held on September 8.
At the time, Kim bowed toward the bereaved family and said, "I sincerely bow my head and apologize for causing pain due to my fault," adding, "I will live out the rest of my life in penitence."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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