Man in 30s Sentenced to Prison for Brutally Beating Girlfriend's 5-Year-Old Daughter

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A man in his 30s has been sentenced to prison for severely abusing his girlfriend's 5-year-old disabled child to the point of fracturing her ribs.

Judge Jung Woo-chul of the Hongseong Branch of the Daejeon District Court sentenced the man in his 30s, identified as A, to two years and six months in prison on charges including violations of the Child Welfare Act.

The court also ordered a three-year employment restriction at institutions related to individuals with disabilities.

A was indicted on charges of habitually assaulting and injuring B, his girlfriend's daughter, at his home and other locations in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, between July and September of last year.

Investigations revealed that the assaults occurred because the child could not speak properly.

Police launched an investigation last September following a report by a teacher at the kindergarten B attended.

However, investigators faced difficulties as B was unable to provide a statement due to autism.

At the time, bruises, scalp hemorrhages, and fractured ribs were found across B's body, raising suspicions of physical abuse.

Nevertheless, A and B's biological mother, C, had denied the abuse allegations, claiming that "she was injured in a traffic accident" or "got bruised from falling down."

Following additional police investigations, A was ultimately arrested and indicted.

During the trial, A maintained his innocence, claiming, "I swear and declare that I have never assaulted B," but the court rejected his argument.

Judge Jung stated, "The victim's injuries can be pinpointed as having occurred after the defendant and C began their relationship," adding, "This is supported by a forensic medical advisor's opinion that the injuries are difficult to attribute to the child getting hurt alone, and that the possibility of abuse must be considered."

However, the court acquitted A of special injury and special assault charges, noting that the specific object used to beat the child could not be determined.

Explaining the sentencing rationale, Judge Jung stated, "The defendant indiscriminately assaulted a severely autistic 5-year-old child who required special protection, leaving the child with various injuries all over her body as well as psychological trauma causing her to fear adult males."

The judge added, "Despite this, he has shown no remorse, attempting to cover up the crime and entirely denying it since the investigative stage, making a prison sentence inevitable."

B's biological mother, C, is also currently on trial for child abandonment and neglect under the Child Welfare Act.

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