A Seoul court on Friday sentenced a 45-year-old man to life in jail for raping an elementary school girl in a high-profile case that outraged the country.
Kim Soo-cheol was arrested on June 13 on charges of kidnapping 8-year-old girl from a Seoul elementary school in broad daylight at his home.
"Considering (the defendant's) past tendency, there are possibilities that he could commit a more brutal and distressing crime if he returns to
society," the Seoul Southern District Court said in a ruling. "A heavy sentence is unavoidable to protect the victim's family and the neighbourhood
and to warn other potential criminals."
In addition to the hefty sentence, the court ordered that Kim's personal information be disclosed for 10 years and that he wear an electronic monitoring anklet for 30 years.
Even if Kim were to be released from prison, the court ordered that he be banned from entering nursing homes, elementary and middle schools near his residence and approaching the victim.
"Kim had left serious emotional and physical damage to the victim, which seems irreparable through the process of her growth," the court said. "When all things are considered, concerns remain over repeat crimes given his inclination toward sex offenses."
Prosecutors had requested a life sentence.
During his trial, Kim, a repeat sex offender who had spent 15 years in prison for raping a woman in 1987, admitted his guilt and apologized to the victim's family.