18-year-old man sentenced to a heavy prison term for kidnapping and raping woman lured by false caregiver advertisement, appeals sentence

An 18-year-old man who kidnapped and raped a woman by luring her through a false advertisement for a caregiver has been confirmed to have appealed his hefty sentence given in the first trial.

According to the court and prosecution on the 27th, the defendant, identified as Mr. A (22), submitted an appeal to the court on the 23rd, citing reasons including the unfairness of his sentencing.

The Namyangju branch of the Uijeongbu District Court (Presiding Judge Kim Guk-sik) sentenced Mr. A to 10 years in prison on the 17th for charges including kidnapping, confinement, and rape. This sentence is three years heavier than the seven-year imprisonment sought by the prosecution during last month's closing arguments.

The prosecution stated that they did not file a separate appeal as the court imposed a heavier sentence than what they had requested.

The court also ordered Mr. A to complete 80 hours of sexual violence treatment programs, imposed a 10-year employment ban at facilities related to children, adolescents, and persons with disabilities, and mandated the disclosure of his personal information.

Severe crime committed with meticulous planning and audacious methods

In the ruling, the court stated, "The defendant meticulously planned and executed the crime by scouting for targets through a second-hand trading app, ultimately luring the victim and committing the crime over a duration of two nights and three days." It further noted that he had prepared tools and locations in advance, demonstrating a calculated approach and audacious methods.

Additionally, the court explained the reasons for sentencing, stating, "Considering the nature of the crime, including the defendant's motive, process, and methods, the crime is of a serious nature and the defendant bears significant culpability." It added that the victim suffered severe shock and pain, and the points of the victim requesting a strict punishment, as well as the defendant acknowledging his crimes, were taken into account.

Mr. A was arrested and indicted for allegedly kidnapping a woman in her 30s, identified as Ms. A, in a vehicle from January 9-11 in Seoul and raping her after confining her at a pension in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province.

He was found to have posted a false advertisement on a second-hand trading app, claiming, "Looking for a caregiver for a paralyzed girl at 600,000 won per case," to seek out targets.

During the course of the crime, Mr. A attempted to flee after noticing that an acquaintance who was in contact with him had reported the incident to the police. He was subsequently apprehended by police who were in pursuit.

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