[Herald DB]
[Herald DB]

A woman in her 60s who was indicted on charges of causing the death of her dementia-stricken husband by binding his wrists and face with a scarf has received a suspended prison sentence.

The Incheon District Court's Criminal Division 17 sentenced the defendant, identified only as A, 63, to three years in prison, suspended for five years, on charges of fatal abuse, according to Newsis on Sunday. The court also ordered 160 hours of community service.

A was indicted on charges of tying the wrists and face of her husband, B, who was 66 at the time of his death, with a scarf at an apartment in Gonchon-dong, Seohaegu, Incheon, in September 2023, causing his death.

According to the investigation, A used a 160-centimeter scarf to bind B's right wrist to his ear and wrap it around his face and neck after B removed a diaper and urinated on the floor. B later died of asphyxiation caused by compression of the neck as the scarf tightened when B moved his arm.

B had been diagnosed with dementia in 2018 and was unable to manage daily life independently.

During the trial, A argued there was no intent to abuse, saying the restraint was meant to prevent B from harming himself.

The court rejected the argument, saying the victim had done nothing more than remove a diaper and that no circumstances indicated self-harm was foreseeable, meaning there was no apparent necessity to restrain the victim to prevent self-injury.

"The victim died as a result of this offense, and it appears the victim experienced considerable physical suffering in the process," the court said. "Given that the victim's death was brought about by the defendant's abusive conduct, the criminal responsibility is grave." However, the court said it took into account as a mitigating factor that A had singlehandedly cared for and supported the victim over a long period and appeared to have put considerable effort into that caregiving.


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