'Lifelong unlicensed' 50-something arrested for drunk driving spree after punishment

A 50-year-old man in South Korea has been sentenced to 10 months in prison and taken into custody for repeatedly driving under the influence and without ever obtaining a license. The court's decision highlights the man's persistent disregard for traffic laws, even after facing previous penalties.

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The defendant caused a traffic accident while driving drunk without a license.

According to legal sources, the Cheongju District Court's criminal division handed down the sentence for charges including violating the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents (injury) and violating the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving and driving without a license). The defendant, identified as Mr. A, was found to have been driving his SUV while intoxicated on March 2, colliding with another vehicle, which then struck a third car. The accident resulted in injuries requiring two weeks of treatment for the drivers of the other two vehicles.

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Given that he has already been punished four times for driving without a license, including one instance of drunk driving, and has never obtained a driver's license, his culpability is very heavy.

Investigations revealed Mr. A's blood alcohol content was 0.108%, exceeding the legal limit for license revocation. Presiding Judge Kim Ju-hyun pointed out the gravity of the defendant's actions, noting his history of four prior convictions for driving without a license, one of which involved drunk driving. The judge emphasized that Mr. A had never possessed a driver's license, underscoring a profound lack of respect for legal compliance and raising concerns about his propensity for re-offending. However, the court also acknowledged Mr. A's confession, his remorse, and his settlements with the victims as factors influencing the final sentence.

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Lack of respect for the law and the risk of recidivism are also concerning.