A teenager who habitually committed theft and drove without a license, injuring a police officer, has been given a suspended prison sentence.

The Criminal Division 2 of the Jeju District Court (Senior Judge Seo Beom-uk presiding) on the 9th sentenced A (16), indicted on charges including special theft, obstruction of the performance of special official duties resulting in injury, and violation of the Road Traffic Act (unlicensed driving), to three years in prison, suspended for five years, and a fine of 450,000 KRW.

The court also ordered probation, 120 hours of community service, and completion of an 80-hour course on lawful driving.

A was brought to trial on charges that between January and November last year he stole valuables from parked vehicles and stole a motorcycle that he rode around without a license, repeatedly committing theft and unlicensed driving.

He is also accused of ramming into a police officer who had ordered him to stop while he was riding an electric kickboard, injuring the officer, and then fleeing. At the sentencing that day, the consolidated cases alone numbered eight.

The bench stated, “There are numerous unfavorable circumstances warranting accountability, even taking into account that he is a minor, as he makes light of the property rights of others and of legal rules and there is a substantial risk of repeated offending,” while adding, “However, we considered that he admitted the charges and showed remorse in court, that some victims did not wish to see him punished, and circumstances reflecting immature judgment and impulsivity.”

Concluding the sentencing, the court told A, “You should regard this ruling as the last consideration that society extends because you are a minor,” and urged, “You must keep in mind that committing crimes not only during the suspension period but also thereafter can be grounds for heavier punishment.”