South Korean man jailed after washing machine reflection catches rape
What's the story
A 24-year-old South Korean man has been sentenced to seven years in jail for rape, indecent assault, and unlawful confinement, among other charges.
He was convicted after the victim, a former girlfriend, produced security camera footage showing the attack reflected on a washing machine lid.
He was found guilty of raping her six times between March and April last year. Prosecutors say he confined the woman for several hours and sexually assaulted her after she wanted to end their relationship.
Evidence breakthrough
Security footage played a crucial role in conviction
At the time, he was also standing trial for allegedly raping another ex-girlfriend and had threatened to release a video of one such assault.
Initially, prosecutors struggled to collect evidence for the assault on his second girlfriend. But a breakthrough came when she submitted a 39-minute security camera video.
Though it did not show any assault, investigators found signs of rape on the plastic lid of the washing machine.
Confession
He admitted to the crime
The man initially disputed the charges, but once investigators showed him the footage, he admitted to the crime.
He was first sentenced to eight years in jail, but on appeal, the Chuncheon branch of the Seoul High Court reduced his sentence to seven years, taking into consideration the settlement he had reached with one of the victims.
Sentencing remarks
Judge emphasized need for severe punishment
At sentencing, the judge noted the gravity of the defendant's crimes and his efforts to justify them.
"The defendant's crimes are dreadful in nature and he consistently tried to excuse his actions to the investigators while pursuing legal actions against the victim to pressure her."
"A heavy punishment is necessary," the judge said.