[Photo by Yoo Dae-gil = dbeorlf123@ajunews.com]
BIGBANG member TOP was given a suspended jail sentence after a court found him guilty of smoking marijuana multiple times before he started his mandatory military service as a conscripted policeman in February.
The criminal court in Seoul sentenced TOP to 10 months in prison with a stay of execution for two years, saying drug-related crimes deserve harsh punishment because they can lead to other crimes and exert a bad social influence.
"The defendant, loved by many fans at home and abroad, has committed such a crime, disappointing his family and fans," the court said in a statement, adding he was handed a suspended sentence because he acknowledged his crime, showed repentance and vowed not to repeat it.
The 29-year-old renewed his apology for evoking "public criticism" before walking into the courtroom. Smoking or consuming marijuana is illegal in South Korea and violators could be sentenced to less than five years in prison.
TOP's lawyer has called for mercy insisting the singer was fully repentant for making an "irrevocable" mistake due to psychological disturbances and extreme stress. The singer allegedly has received medical treatment for his "panic disorder and depression".
The singer was charged with smoking marijuana four times at his home with a 21-year-old singer trainee in October last year, a few months before he joined the boot camp. Police will decide on whether he should go back to duty as a conscripted policeman.
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