Aju Business Daily

 
A court handed down a suspended sentence to a soaker arrested for his commotion that was put down through an uphill teamwork by Korean Air flight attendants and passengers including American rock star Richard Marx.

Lim Beom-joon, 35, was sentenced to one year in prison, a fine of five million won (4,425 US dollars) and 200 hours of community service on multiple charges including assault and violation of an aviation security law. But a court in the western city of Incheon suspended the sentenced for two years.

Lim went on a drunken rampage on December 20 last year en route from Vietnam to South Korea. He was accused of beating cabin attendants and passengers during his two-hour disturbance that judges said jeopardized the safety of navigation.

Lawyers called for leniency, saying Lim had no criminal record, suffered from mental problems such as anxiety disorders and alcohol dependence, and paid financial compensation to those beaten by him.

The incident gained international attention after Marx and his wife uploaded critical posts and pictures on their Facebook and Instagram. Marx was praised for playing a role in controlling Lim. The rock ballad legend criticized Korean Air for being ill-prepared for unruly passengers. Korean Air promised to allow flight attendants to use force and teasers more actively against in-flight violence.

Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com