A reserve soldier, Mr. A (22), who deserted his military unit due to the pain of a breakup with his girlfriend, was sentenced to actual imprisonment in his appeal trial.

On the 27th, the 2nd Criminal Division of the Gwangju High Court announced that it had sentenced Mr. A to one year in prison for charges of military desertion and extortion. This is a reduction of six months from the one year and six months sentenced in the first trial.

Mr. A sent a message to his company commander on May 31, 2023, stating, "I will accept the discipline. I don't think I can come to work today," and then deserted the military unit. He was arrested at his residence approximately 1 hour and 19 minutes after sending the message.

The court pointed out that Mr. A had previously received disciplinary action for violating the prohibition of desertion twice but still committed another offense.

Repeated Criminal Activity and Court's Judgment

Mr. A's criminal acts did not stop at military desertion.

In November 2022, he extorted 11 million won through acts of extortion, and in 2023, he is also accused of swindling hundreds of thousands of won by fabricating fake traffic accidents involving teenagers who had borrowed his vehicle.

In particular, it was investigated that, despite receiving the vehicles back normally, he threatened the victims by saying they had caused a hit-and-run accident and that they had to pay for the repair costs.

The court emphasized the need for severe punishment, stating in the ruling, "It is serious that the defendant extorted money by threatening multiple victims who appeared weaker than himself."

However, it also stated, "Considering the criminal compensation for the victims, we determined the sentence comprehensively."

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