▲ Busan Court Complex
A man in his 20s has been sentenced to prison for stealing cigarettes from a convenience store just ten days after being released from prison for assault, and subsequently assaulting a police officer inside a police station holding cell.
Busan District Court Judge Park Joo-young of Criminal Division 3 announced on October 8 that A, who was indicted on charges of violating the Act on the Punishment of Violences, etc. (often applied to habitual or violent offenses), obstruction of official duties, theft, and property damage, has been sentenced to 2 years in prison.
A was indicted for asking a store owner for cigarettes at a convenience store in Busanjin-gu, Busan, at around 11:56 PM on May 12, and taking a pack of cigarettes worth 4,500 won placed on the counter without paying.
Apprehended at the scene, A caused trouble again the next morning at the holding cell of the Busanjin Police Station.
After finishing breakfast, when a police officer opened the holding cell door to collect the tableware, A came out. When asked to go back inside, A punched a police officer in his 50s in the face once.
The police officer sustained facial injuries requiring 21 days of medical treatment due to the assault.
A had been successively sentenced to prison terms since 2023 for crimes including assault and special assault, and had completed serving his final prison term at a detention center on May 2.
Judge Park explained the reasoning behind the sentencing, stating, "He has multiple prior convictions for the same offenses such as assault, special assault, battery, and property damage, including five prison sentences, yet committed a crime again immediately after being released." The judge added, "In particular, the nature of the crime is quite severe, as he assaulted a police officer inside a police station holding cell, inflicting non-minor injuries."
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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