Resentment over virtual currency losses…Incheon stabbing: man in his 40s' 17-year sentence upheld

A man in his 40s, Mr. A, who seriously injured two men in their 40s in a street brawl in Songdo International City, Incheon, had a 17-year prison sentence upheld.

The Supreme Court's 2nd Division (Presiding Justice Eom Sang-pil) said on the 8th that it had upheld on the 4th of last month the lower court sentence of 17 years' imprisonment for Mr. A, who was indicted on charges including attempted murder. It also upheld sentences of 1 year and 6 months and 1 year, respectively, for two others, including a man in his 30s, Mr. B, who were jointly charged with aggravated injury, etc.

Mr. A was arrested and indicted on charges of attempting to kill Mr. C by repeatedly stabbing him with a weapon during a street brawl in May last year in a street in Songdo International City, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, where he and Mr. B, etc., fought with Mr. C and his party, a group of men in their 40s. Two accomplices, including Mr. B, were also prosecuted together on charges of assaulting Mr. C and his party, causing injury.

Investigations revealed that Mr. A committed the crime out of resentment after suffering losses while trading virtual currency introduced to him by Mr. C.

The first and second instance courts said, "Mr. A's intent to kill is recognized and the victim's side is pleading for severe punishment," and sentenced Mr. A to 17 years' imprisonment. They also sentenced the two accomplices to 1 year and 6 months and 1 year, respectively. The Supreme Court also upheld the lower court ruling, saying, "There is no legal error in the judgment."

Reporter Jeong Hee-won tophee@hankyung.com