A South Korean logistics worker was acquitted of stealing 73-cent snacks after a two-year legal battle, with the court ruling no theft intent.
SEOUL: A South Korean court has cleared a logistics worker accused of stealing snacks worth just 73 cents after a legal battle spanning nearly two years.
The Jeonju District Court acquitted the defendant on Friday, overturning an earlier conviction and fine.
The case began when the man’s logistics company filed a claim against him for taking a Choco Pie and mini custard worth 1,050 won from an office refrigerator.
Prosecutors had filed a summary indictment deeming the offence minor, but the driver maintained his innocence and requested a formal trial.
A lower court initially found him guilty and imposed a 50,000 won fine – approximately fifty times the value of the consumed snacks.
The worker immediately appealed the conviction, leading to Friday’s acquittal.
The company had argued that subcontracted workers like the accused were not permitted to access the refrigerator without authorization.
However, the appellate court noted that drivers were told “they could eat snacks in the office, and the security employees ate snacks during night shifts.”
With 39 other subcontracted workers providing statements that they also ate snacks from the fridge, the court ruled that “it is difficult to conclude that the defendant had the intent to steal.”
The defendant’s lawyer told reporters the driver “felt deeply ashamed that it led to a trial,” explaining “he was simply hungry in the early morning and ate a Choco Pie.”
“There were various ups and downs along the way, but I am very grateful for this outcome, and I believe the defendant feels the same,” said the lawyer.
The case generated significant public outcry in South Korea, with labour unions comparing the worker to Jean Valjean from “Les Misérables.” – AFP
