Court [Herald Business DB]
Court [Herald Business DB]

A man in his 60s who promised to change his ways and reconciled with his girlfriend failed to keep that promise — assaulting her again and landing in court, though he narrowly avoided prison after the victim forgave him.

The Jeonju District Court's Criminal Division 3, presided over by Judge Ki Hee-gwang, sentenced A, 63, to one year and two months in prison, suspended for three years, along with 200 hours of community service. He had been indicted on charges of aggravated assault and aggravated unlawful confinement.

A was indicted on charges of beating his girlfriend, identified as B, 53, with a bladed weapon and a liquor bottle at his home in Wansan-gu, Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, at around 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 20 last year.

He also bound B's hands with cable ties after she suffered serious injuries to her head and face, and kept her locked in his bedroom for more than half a day — until 5:40 p.m. the same day.

A had earlier begged B to take him back after she ended the relationship, promising he would change. He committed the assault just 10 days after they reunited.

The court said A's conduct was "extremely poor in light of the nature, method and frequency of the crimes," but added that it took into account the fact that B, who had reached a settlement with A, did not wish to see him punished.


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