A man in his 70s has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for fatally injuring a fellow patient in the same hospital room.

The Pohang Branch of the Daegu District Court announced today (October 7) that it handed down the prison sentence to a defendant indicted on murder charges.

The defendant was indicted for approaching a patient in his 60s, who was sleeping in the same hospital room at a convalescent hospital in Buk-gu, Pohang, on August 2 and striking him five to six times with a fire extinguisher.

The victim suffered severe head injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he died the following day.

Investigations revealed that the defendant, who was staying at the convalescent hospital due to dementia, committed the crime under the delusion that he had to kill the victim before the victim could harm him.

The defendant's legal counsel argued that the act was committed due to a mental or physical disability caused by dementia and that medical treatment custody was necessary.

The court rejected the defense's argument, citing the fact that the defendant specifically remembered and stated the circumstances before and after the crime as well as the victim's reaction, showing an awareness of responsibility.

The court stated the sentencing reasons by noting that murder is a grave crime violating the absolute value of human life and cannot be justified for any reason, and that the bereaved family is pleading for severe punishment. The court added that it took into account the defendant's admission to the crime and the apparent partial influence of delusional symptoms on the motive.