Rape suspect attempts suicide in courtroom

Gwangju Provincial Court.

By Park Si-soo

A rape suspect tried to kill himself by drinking poisonous liquid during his trial, police said Friday. He was immediately taken to hospital and is out of danger.

The incident happened at Gwangju Provincial Court at 10:26 a.m. The man, 61, charged with raping a mentally challenged woman, sipped a “small amount” of liquefied agricultural pesticide and collapsed shortly after the court sentenced him to seven years in prison.

Security guards reacted quickly, performing first aid and calling 119. The man claimed he was innocent.

Police are investigating how he brought the toxic liquid into the courtroom through multiple security checks.