[Dispatch=Reporter Lee A-Jin] Comedian Lee Jin-ho has been sentenced to prison in the first trial on charges of habitual gambling and drunk driving. However, the execution of the sentence is suspended.

Judge An Tae-yoon, the presiding judge of the Criminal Division 1 at Yeoju Branch of Suwon District Court, held a sentencing hearing for Lee Jin-ho on the 1st. He was sentenced to one year and six months in prison with a three-year suspension of execution. He was also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service.

The court stated, "We have determined the sentence in consideration of the defendant's reflection, among other factors." Lee Jin-ho is accused of habitually engaging in illegal gambling from May 2023 to October 2024.

He sent approximately 870 million won to illegal gambling sites over a total of 664 transactions. Investigation revealed that he converted the transferred money to cyber money and engaged in gambling such as baccarat.

While being transferred without arrest on gambling charges, he was also caught for drunk driving. On September 24 last year, he drove while intoxicated from Incheon to his home in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province.

He drove approximately 70 kilometers while under the influence. His blood alcohol concentration at the time was measured at 0.12%. This exceeds 0.08%, the threshold for license revocation.

At the final plea hearing held on the 14th of last month, the prosecution sought a two-year prison sentence for Lee Jin-ho. The prosecution requested that the court impose an actual sentence in consideration of both the habitual gambling and drunk driving charges.

In his final statement, Lee Jin-ho appealed for leniency, saying, "After making mistakes, I have lived every day with regret, never at ease," and "I will not repeat this again."

<Photo=Dispatch DB>