"What's this..." Judges and Lawyers Chuckle at Choco Pie and Custard Theft Trial

[Financial News]  Snacks commonly seen at work sites have led to a legal battle. The incident of eating one Choco Pie and one custard bread eventually escalated to a theft trial, causing both the judge and the lawyer to chuckle.
On the 18th, at the first appeal trial of Mr. A, in his 40s, held in the Jeonju District Court's 2nd Criminal Division (Presiding Judge Kim Do-hyeong), the court stated, "The situation is unfortunate, but it needs to be reviewed whether it legally constitutes theft."
The judge smiled while reviewing the records but added, "Since a guilty verdict was reached in the first trial, we will examine the legal issues in the appeal trial."
Mr. A was indicted for taking and eating a Choco Pie and custard bread from a refrigerator in the office of a logistics company partner in Wanju County, Jeonbuk, in January last year. He claimed that he had heard that "drivers could freely eat the snacks in the refrigerator," but the first trial court recognized the intent of theft and sentenced him to a fine of 50,000 won.
Mr. A's lawyer submitted a statement explaining the reason for the appeal, saying, "The case has reached the appeal trial not simply because of its size but due to the appropriateness of the law's application."
He argued, "The location in question was an office with a refrigerator and a water purifier, accessible to anyone," and "even the CCTV did not show any hesitation when the defendant entered." He further argued, "If he really intended to steal, he would have taken the whole box, not just a couple of snacks."
He also stated, "It is excessive to conclude this situation as theft," and "it is hard to accept that there was an intention of theft for snacks placed to be eaten when hungry."
In response, Judge Kim said, "It doesn't seem malicious, but we will carefully examine if there are legal aspects to consider," and accepted all witness requests made by the lawyer.
The next appeal trial will be held on October 30.


jjw@fnnews.com Jeong Ji-woo Reporter