A narcotics offender was sentenced to four months in prison in the first trial for sending obscene letters while receiving treatment at a hospital. Instead of treating drug addiction, the hospital has added the charge of sexual violence.
On the 17th, according to the legal community, Judge Kim Eun-young of the Daejeon District Court Gongju Branch sentenced a man identified as A to the special law regarding the punishment of sexual violence crimes (obscenity using communication media) last month. A was ordered to complete a 40-hour sexual violence treatment program. He will be restricted from employment at institutions related to children, adolescents, and the disabled for three years.
A is accused of sending obscene letters by mail to a woman identified as B while in treatment at the National Forensic Hospital in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, in November of last year. A wrote letters with the content, "XXX seems really pretty and beautiful" and "But what size are you?" using a black ballpoint pen.
A has previously been sentenced to prison ten times, including drug offenses. In March 2023, he was sentenced to four years in prison for violating the Narcotic Drugs Control Act at the Busan District Court, Western Branch. He received treatment and supervision at the National Forensic Hospital from July of that year until February this year. The National Forensic Hospital is the only correctional facility affiliated with the Ministry of Justice that treats individuals with mental illnesses, specifically drug and alcohol addicts at high risk of reoffending.
A reportedly got to know B while both were receiving treatment and supervision at the same hospital in the past. A is said to have sent a letter to B after she finished her treatment and returned to prison. A also later left the hospital and returned to prison.
The court recognized that A sent writings that caused sexual shame or disgust to others. The court stated, "He committed the crime without showing remorse while living as a convict," adding, "He has not been forgiven by the victim." It also noted, "The fact that he has shown an attitude of acknowledging his wrongdoing and reflecting on it was considered (in sentencing)."