[Dispatch=Reporter Park Hye-jin] The prosecution sought a two-year prison sentence against comedian Lee Jin-ho for habitual gambling and drunk driving charges.

Judge An Tae-yoon, presiding judge of the Criminal Division 1 at the Yeoju Branch of Suwon District Court, held the first trial hearing for Lee Jin-ho on the 14th.

Lee Jin-ho appeared in court on crutches that day. He was indicted on charges of illegal gambling and violation of the Road Traffic Act (drunk driving).

First, the prosecution stated regarding habitual gambling that "from May 11, 2023 to October 14, 2024, over 664 instances, he transferred a total of approximately 870 million won to gambling sites, exchanged it for cyber money, and habitually gambled using it."

Lee Jin-ho drove under the influence while in a state of non-detention by the prosecution on gambling charges. Last September, he drove to his home in Yangpyeong County, Gyeonggi Province after drinking.

The prosecution stated, "Lee Jin-ho drove approximately 70 km with a blood alcohol level of 0.12% (based on blood test results)." This exceeds the license cancellation standard (0.08% or higher).

The prosecution sought a two-year prison sentence. Lee Jin-ho's defense counsel appealed for leniency, saying, "The defendant is deeply remorseful and admits to the charges" and "will not commit crimes again in the future."

Lee Jin-ho also said, "I have lived each day in regret since committing wrongdoing" and "I will not make mistakes again."

The sentencing hearing will be held on the 1st of next month at 9:40 a.m.

<Photo=Dispatch DB>